Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out During a Fire

I hope that as the daylight hours are getting slightly shorter and hopefully cooler weather, you and I are taking the time spending with our family and friends, in sports, arts and crafts as well as other activities. I also hope that you had taken the time to check and possibly change out the batteries of your fire alarms, they do need to be changed at least once per year. (NSC: National Fire Prevention Week)

National Fire Prevention Week is October 8th to 14th this year, with the theme "Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways to Get Out!"

Most of our homes should have at least one working smoke alarms, are a family's first indication of a fire when it sounds. Once that alarm sounds a fire can spread quickly, leaving only a minute or two to escape, according to the National Fire Protection Association. It is extremely important for all households to have an escape plan and practice using at least 2 different ways out of the house. As our September post reminds us, National Preparedness Month teaches us how important it is for every single one of us to plan ahead, because disaster doesn't.

We should all take action to prepare, because we are all able to help first responders in our community by training how to respond during an emergency and what to do when disaster strikes. It takes time and effort to help as many individuals, families, and communities around us engage in preparedness actions.

What You Can Do to Plan Ahead!

There are many ways for you and I to plan ahead before the fire starts, here are some of the tips to keep your home safe from fire:

1. Install both types of smoke alarms and change batteries at least once a year in these devices
2. Plan and practice escape routes and agree on a meeting place outside of your home; be prepared to assist young children, family members with special needs and pets
3. Know two ways out of every room in the home 
4. Learn how to use your fire extinguisher
5. If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop and roll. (National Preparedness Month: Ready.gov)

More Fire Prevention Education Resources

There are additional education resources available on fire prevention, check it out here:
Fire Prevention Week Education Resources

What are the Two Ways Out that You and Your Family Would Use?

Summer Safety: Water and Fire Safety

Summer is here! With many family members taking time off, visiting friends and family across the county and possibly abroad. Some would be attending various festivals and events many with fireworks especially this month, it is important to remember while we are having fun, safety is #1 key.

Water Safety

Importance of water safety can’t be overstated, drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 2, but  anyone can be at risk. In 2013, 3,391 people over all age groups have drowned. (NSC Safety in and Out of the Water, 2017)

Water safety should be practiced with adults, knowing how to perform all following tips under our belts can save our as well as another’s life. According to an American Red Cross survey, only 56% of adults say they swim are able to perform five critical water-safety skills that could save their lives. Some of these include:

• Floating or treading water for one minute without a flotation device
• Stepping or jumping into water over your head and returning to the surface
• Exiting a pool without using a ladder 
• Swimming 25 yards without stopping (NSC Safety in and Out of the Water, 2017)

Fire Safety

The National Safety Council advises everyone to stay away from all consumer fireworks and to only enjoy fireworks at a public display conducted by seasoned professionals. In 2015, 11 people died and about 11,500 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (Best to Leave Fireworks to the Experts)
There are some fireworks that are legal for consumers to purchase and use, but not necessarily legal. It is highly advised for everyone to only enjoy fireworks at a public display conducted by seasoned professionals. Check out this video by the NFPA.

Summer is a wonderful time to spend with family and friends outside, and outdoor activities are a great way to be active and stay in shape. Make sure you don't put an end to the fun because of a preventable injury.

Remember to report any issues of unsafe playgrounds to the owner or park district as necessary. Children under 6 yrs old should be supervised at all times by an adult. (Like to Play Outside? NSC Shares Some Tips for Staying Safe)

How are You Staying Safe This Summer?