Summer is Coming! Seasonal Safety Tips for the Public

By Vice Chair Lisa Shellman, NYSAFC Public Education Committee
 
With summer coming, we’re all looking forward to outdoor activities. Here are some links to resources and tips to share to ensure that the members of your community enjoy the time outdoors safely.
 
Swimming Pools

Inground pools are nice, and if used right, they offer hours of good fun. Keep all gates closed and locked when not in use. If small children are in the household, an alarm on the gate would be a good precaution to take. Have rules that discourage running around the pool. We all know the surround can get slippery and falls can occur. Keep all pool chemicals stored properly and secure to prevent injuries. Inside the pool, keep the pool chemicals in balance to prevent skin rashes and burns. Above ground pools have a few dangers as well. Pull the ladder up and locked when not in use or if you are going to be gone for an extended period. Diving should be prevented if you have no deep end. A few simple guidelines can make for a happy time around the pool.
 
Check out the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and PoolSafely.gov website for lots of helpful safety information. Hot tub and pool safety information is also available from the American Red Cross. And the NFPA also provides tips for swimming pool, hot tub, and spa safety, as well as electrical safety around water.

Boating

Boating is another fun summer activity, especially for New Yorkers with the abundance of lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water across the state.
 
The NFPA has a helpful tip sheet available for boaters and marina staff highlighting electrical hazards and carbon monoxide risks, as well as other safety concerns. Marina and boat fire safety resources are also available from the from the United States Fire Administration (USFA) and New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC).
  
Hiking

Hiking is a great way to exercise and enjoy the outdoors. A little prep work can make for a great experience. Plan your trip and pick a place that matches your abilities. Make sure you are familiar with the area if hiking alone. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Take a backpack and make sure you have plenty of water for the amount of time you plan to be gone, and then some, just in case. Take a radio and/or a cell phone, and if possible, a weather radio to keep track of any weather changes. Take food with you in case something happens and you have to be out longer than planned. Pack extra socks and a blanket that can be used for shelter. Stay on marked trails and keep to your plan. If you get lost, then rescuers can retrace your steps and assist in finding you. If you become lost, stay put. Don’t keep moving – you stand a better chance of being found if you stay on the trail. Do not eat any plants or vegetation unless you are an expert, as many of these plants can make you sick.
 
The National Park Service and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) both provide important information to help ensure you’re prepared.
 
Camping

Camping has become a great weekend pastime. If tenting, be aware of where you put up the tent. No one wants poison ivy or poison oak. Keep food items stored in covered containers to discourage animals from helping themselves. Make a trench around the tent to wick water away if it rains, as no one likes a wet sleeping bag. Keep an eye on the weather and move to better shelter if inclement weather occurs. Make sure all fires are in a proper fire pit. Never leave a fire unattended, and before leaving the site, make sure the fire is out. Do not burn your trash and do not throw fireworks or rocks in the fire. Rocks can explode, causing injury.
 
Helpful campfire safety tips are available from OFPC, Smokey Bear, NYS DEC, and the NFPA.
 
Using a camper? Make sure it is level, as most propane tanks need to be level to work. And make sure you are using the right electric cord for the camper. Keep the cord away from water and out of the way to prevent tripping hazards. Again, watch the weather and get away from creeks and streams, as they can rise quickly, and you could be swept away or stranded. Clean your site before you leave to keep it neat for the next people. Respect other campers and do not cut through their campsite.
 
OFPC has a great RV fire safety tip sheet that you can share with members of your community.
 
Grilling

Grilling season is upon us! According to the NFPA, seven out of every 10 adults in the U.S. have a grill or smoker. With that comes an increased risk of home fires.
 
A helpful barbecue safety tip sheet is available from OFPC, and the NFPA has created a variety of grilling safety PSAs, infographics, and tip sheets.
 
Fireworks and Sparkling Devices

Fireworks should only be handled by professionals. Sparklers and certain novelty devices are the only consumer fireworks that are legal in certain parts of New York state. Sparkling devices should only be handled by adults.
 
Infographics and PSAs illustrating the hazards of fireworks are available from the NFPA.
 
Extreme Heat and Inclement Weather

When outside, keep well-hydrated and use sunscreen. Stay in the shade as much as you can and be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. When on the water, it can be deceptively cool, and you can burn much faster than you think. If you become overheated move to a cooler place and drink plenty of water. Rest and if possible, stay inside and in a cool environment.  If you do have to work outside, try to do it early in the morning before it gets too hot.
 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a lot of great information to help keep people and pets safe during extreme heat.
 
It’s important for New Yorkers to be prepared for severe weather during the summer months, from thunderstorms and lightning to tornadoes and flooding. Ready.gov is a great source of information to help ensure members of your community are prepared.
 
Tips for Firefighters

Firefighters working in the heat must be extra aware of the heat and their surroundings. Take frequent breaks if possible and keep hydrated the best you can. If you need to rest, then rest and take a break. Remove your bunkers and cool off.
 
Resources for mitigating firefighter heat stress are available from the USFA.
 
Enjoy the Summer Safely!

Remember, a wide variety of fire/life safety outreach materials are available from the USFA and FEMA for fire departments to share in their communities this summer. Keeping these tips in mind can help you and the citizens you serve stay healthy and happy all season long. Have a happy summer!
 
About the Author:
Lisa Shellman is a firefighter with the Honeoye Falls Fire Department and serves as vice chairwoman of NYSAFC’s Public Education Committee.