Outdoor Safety

SAFETY WEEK 2016

The outdoors should be a place where you and your family can relax and have fun.  The following are some precautions you can use to keep you family safe:

• When mowing or using other power equipment, ensure children and pets are kept a safe distance. Always wear eye protection and hearing protection when operating equipment.
• Place tools and equipment back in a secure place after use.
• Always supervise children around water. Drowning usually happens quickly and quietly so stay close enough to reach children at all times.
• Ensure walkways and driveways are in good condition.
• Swing sets, slide or other outdoor play equipment shall be securely anchored. Inspect the equipment regularly for worn or broken parts.  Loose fill materials, such as shredded rubber, or safety test mats should be place under swing sets.
• Keep fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals locked in cabinets or out of the reach of children.
• Many plants can be poisonous. Ensure children are not left alone around plants that they could ingest.
• Mosquitoes, fleas, ticks and other insects can spread disease. Use insect repellents contained DEET to prevent insect bites.  Shower as soon as possible and check for ticks.  Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate.
• Protect yourself and family from the harmful effects of the sun by covering the skin with clothing, wearing hats or using a sunscreen with at least SPF 15.
• When grilling ensure food is cooked thoroughly and always place on a clean platter when removing from the grill to prevent cross contamination. Always keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold and when finished eating refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible.  Keep children a safe distance from lit grills.
• Wear helmets while riding bikes, skateboards, scooters, etc. to prevent serious injury in case of a fall. Ensure they are fitted properly.
• Children that are too young to have a driver’s license should not be allowed to operate all-terrain vehicles.
• Keep camp fires small and build wear they will not spread. Never leave them unattended and keep plenty of water and shovel around to douse the fire when you’re done.
• Know the signs of heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke and know what to do if the symptoms arise. Plan physical activities for the cooler part of the day and wear light colored clothing.