Summer Safety Tips

Keep your family safe all summer long

Swimming Safety Tips

Ensure every member of your family learns to swim so they at least achieve skills of water competency: able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance then get out of the water safely.

Employ layers of protection, including barriers to prevent access to water, life jackets, and close supervision of children to prevent drowning.

Know what to do in a water emergency, including how to help someone in trouble in the water safely, call for emergency help and CPR.

Source: American Red Cross

Boating Safety Tips

Life jackets are at the core of safe boating, whether using a motorized or non-motorized vessel.

Good swimmers still need life jackets. When people fall off a boat, they may become disoriented, injured or unconscious. Life jackets can keep victims’ heads above water so they can breathe and be rescued more easily. Every child should wear a life jacket at all times when boating.

Exercise good judgement while boating:

• Respect your limits and keep within your limits to avoid injury
• Don't drink and drive a boat; alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination
• Once on the water, use common sense; in a split second, a situation can arise or the weather can turn
• If you notice storm clouds, a sudden temperature drop or wind speed increasing, play it safe and get off the water

Source: National Safety Council

Safe Grilling Tips

• Open the lid to a gas grill before lighting it
• Near leave the grill unattended
• Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grill area
• If the flame goes out, turn off the grill & gas and wait at least 5 minutes before relighting it
• Remove grease or fat buildup from the grills and trays underneath
• If you smell gas while cooking, get away from the grill and call 911

Source: National Fire Protection Assocation

Preparing for a Road Trip

Before you hit the road, make sure your vehicle is ready:

• Check that your tires are filled to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure
• Inspect your tires and if you find any damage, take your vehicle to a professional
• Confirm your headlights, brake lights and turn signals are working
• Check your vehicle's oil level

Plan route and always wear your seat belt.

Stock your car with these supplies:

• First aid kit
• Jumper cables
• Tire pressure gauge
• Windshield washer fluid

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Fireworks Safety

In 2022, fireworks started more than 31,000 fires and caused $109 million in property damage.

• Never use fireworks after consuming alcohol, using illegal drugs or taking medication that can impair your judgement.
• Have a bucket of water and/or a hose nearby. Keep a fire extinguisher within reach.
• Don't allow young children to handle fireworks. Sparklers, which burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, are the no. 2 cause of fireworks related ER visits.
• Never light more than one firework at a time.
• Don't hold fireworks in your hand or put any part of your body directly over a firework.

Source: Office of the State Fire Commissioner (Pennsylvania)