Summer Fire Safety Tips

It's that time of year again. Memorial Day weekend, a time when families begin spending more time outside camping, grilling and having a good time. But each year, 10,000 Americans are injured in incidents involving fireworks and 5,000 are injured in grill fires. In 2009, in Ohio alone 19 people died and 207 people were injured in fires during the summer months.

And with that in mind, the Division of State Fire Marshal has released some information to help people prepare for fire safety this summer in case of an emergency. Interim State Fire Marshal, Donald Cooper, issued the following statement, "Summertime should be a time for fun and making happy memories with vacations, reunions and picnics. Taking a few simple precautions, knowing fire safety tips and following instructions will help everyone enjoy a safe summer."

So, how can you ensure a safe summer for yourself and your family? First of all, remember that the only fireworks that can legally be discharged in the sate are trick and novelty devices that smoke, sparkle, snap, and snake. Children should never handle fireworks and any adult in charge of handling the fireworks should be familiar with the different types and understand the hazards. Reading the instructions is an absolute must.

When it comes to sparklers, light only one at a time and hold it away from your body. Sparkler wires can burn up to 1800 degrees and will remain hot after burnout. They should be placed in a bucket of water. If someone is burned, hold the wound under cold water for a few minutes and if necessary seek medical help.

When it comes to building campfires, it's important to build them away from dry areas of grass and leaves where they can easily spread. Also, keep them away from overhanging trees. Keep your campfires small and keep water and a shove around for dousing or putting out a fire when you're finished. Never leave your campfire unattended. If you're in a park, make sure you know the official park rules for extinguishing campfires.

One of the most popular summer activities is grilling, which makes grilling safety a top priority. Before getting started make sure the connection between the gas tank and fuel line is okay and never overfill your gas tank. Never wear lose clothing around a grill and be careful when using lighter fluid. If your fire is already burning don't add more lighter fluid. Keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children and teach your children that in the event they do spot either of those items, they should report it to a trusted adult immediately. Also, make sure your kids know how to "stop, drop, and roll," as well as call 911 in the event of an emergency.

When it comes to charcoal make sure you douse hot coals with water when you're finished cooking and never place them in a container made of plastic, paper, or wood. Grilling in an enclosed area is something you should never do because of the production of carbon monoxide.

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Free Boat Safety Inspections Offered

The new boating season has begun and the Ohio government is urging you to be safe while having a good time this summer. One way you can do that is by taking advantage of the free vessel safety inspections being offered by the Ohio Department of National Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft and its boating partners.

These inspections, which are free to the public, help increase safety awareness. Watercraft officers will provide the written inspections so that boat-owners may make any necessary or recommended improvements. Many Ohio residents will be getting their boats out soon, to take advantage of warmer weather and a new boating season, and keeping their boating trips safe should be at the top of their priority list.

Inspections usually look at things such as fire extinguishers, horns, navigational lights, and distress signals, and life jackets and life vests, which according to Ohio.gov must be, "in good condition and readily accessible to all boat occupants."

For more information about boating rules, safety equipment and any other boating questions you might have, check out www.ohiodnr.gov/watercraft.

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ODNR Urges Ohioans to Be Cautious on Frozen Water

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is urging Ohioans to use caution this winter when they are out on frozen water. Citizens should be prepared in case they happen to fall through the ice. As temperatures drop, more and more people will be out, attempting to ice fish, skate, and take part in other activities. Below you'll find some tips for handling emergencies and overall preparedness.

• Keep in mind that ice-covered water is NEVER safe.
• If you want to learn to ice fish or you are new to the sport, find a licensed guide. You can call the ODNR Division of Wildlife at 419-625-8062 or visit WildOhio.com to get a list of certified guides. Also, ask local bait shops about any known spots with dangerous ice in the area where you will be fishing.
• Never go out alone and always let someone know when you will be on the ice and when you will be returning. Always take your mobile phone wrapped in plastic.
• Make sure your life jacket or float coat is Coast Guard approved. Not only does it provide you with flotation, but it can also help protect against hypothermia.
• If you want to go sledding or ice skating, the local stream may not be the safest place but there are tons of alternatives. Check with your local metro park district to see where conditions are good for these activities. Some state parks even offer free access to designated skating areas. These include Delaware State Park in Delaware County and Dillon State Park in Muskingum County.
• Understand wind chill. Just because a thermometer reads one temperature, doesn't mean you should take it literally. The wind chill can cause your body to lose heat as though the temperatures are much lower.
• Keep two ice picks, screwdrivers or large nails with you. They will create leverage for pulling yourself out of the water and work better than your bare hands. It may also help to carry a whistle or noisemaker with you so that you may alert people when you are distressed.
• Dress in layers, paying closest attention to your head, neck, sides, and groin. These are the primary areas for heat-loss. Wool and modern synthetics work better than cotton which is slow to dry.
• Also, make sure you keep an extra set of clothing in your car or a safe, dry area.
• Avoid alcohol. Not only does it reduce your reaction time, but it lowers your internal body temperature and makes you more susceptible to hypothermia.
• Do not drive your car, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle or any other vehicle onto the ice. This is extremely dangerous and most insurance policies won't cover vehicles that drop through ice.
  
  
  

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