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Enjoy the Summer Safely
from Estero Fire Rescue
Submitted by Susan Lindenmuth, Public Relations Manager
As the days grow longer and the evenings warmer, you know that summer is here. Schools are out and vacations begin; time for fun and family celebrations. But remember to take a few seconds to check for safety so that your day of fun doesn’t end with an emergency. Estero Fire Rescue wants you to remember these important tips to make your summer a happy and safe one:
Fourth of July
Fireworks have long been a tradition in this country to celebrate our independence. Big, bright and colorful, they draw awestruck crowds by the thousands each year to large events. Done by professionals, these shows are a safe way to enjoy the holiday. But each year, thousands of people are injured by backyard fireworks. According to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2006, US hospital emergency rooms treated over 9,000 people for firework related injures. Nearly half of these people injured were under the age of 15 with sparklers and novelty fireworks.
NFPA and Estero Fire Rescue ask you to consider these facts:
* In 2005, fireworks caused an estimated 1,800 total structure fires and 700 vehicle fires reported to fire departments. These 2,500 fires resulteId in an estimated 60 civilian injuries and $39 million in direct property damage. There were no reported civilian deaths.
* In 2006, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,200 people for fireworks related injuries. 49% of the injuries were to the extremities and 46% were to the head. 55% of the 2006 fireworks injuries were burns, while 30% were contusions and lacerations.
* The risk of fireworks injury was two-and-a-half times as high for children ages 10-14 as for the general population.
* In 2001-2005, an estimated 1 person per year was killed in reported fires started by fireworks, while 6 people per year were killed directly by fireworks.
* On Independence Day in a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for half of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.
We urge the public to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and instead, to enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals. Join Estero Fire Rescue on Saturday, July 3rd for Miromar Outlets spectacular annual fireworks show. Don’t miss it!
Water Safety and Drowning Prevention
Summer is here! While Floridians need to be vigilant about water safety year-round, it’s especially important that we review our drowning prevention now, as schools let out for summer vacation and temperatures are on the rise. In 2002, an estimated 1,600 children were treated in hospital emergency rooms for submersion injuries. Sadly, 250 children under the age of 5 drown in swimming pools every year. Among unintentional injuries, drowning has been the second leading cause of death to children under age 5, after motor vehicle accidents.
One of the most tragic aspects of drowning deaths is that they are preventable; however, there is no foolproof method of prevention. The safest plan is to use several “layers” of protection – constant supervision of young children, using barriers such as a fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate around pools to prevent access, and becoming certified in child and infant CPR.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends keeping these tips in mind to prevent tragedies from occurring:
*Fences and walls should be at least 4 feet high and installed completely around the pool. Fence gates should be self-closing and self-latching. The latch should be out of a small child’s reach. Keep furniture that could be used for climbing into the pool area away from fences.
*If your house forms one side of the barrier to the pool, then doors leading from the house to the pool should be protected with alarms that produce a sound when a door is unexpectedly opened.
*A power safety cover – a motor-powered barrier that can be placed over the water area – can be used when the pool is not in use.
*Keep rescue equipment by the pool and be sure a phone is poolside with emergency numbers posted. Knowing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be a lifesaver. Estero Fire Rescue offers a number of CPR courses throughout the year. For information on dates, locations, and cost, please call (239) 390-8016 or visit our website at www.esterofire.org.
*Don’t leave pool toys and floats in the pool or pool area that may attract young children to the water.
*For above-ground pools, steps and ladders to the pool should be secured and locked, or removed when the pool is not in use.
*If a child is missing, always look in the pool first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
*Pool alarms can be used as an added precaution. The commission advises that consumers use remote alarm receivers so the alarm can be heard inside the house or in other places away from the pool area.
*To prevent body entrapment and hair entrapment/entanglement, have a qualified pool professional inspect the drain suction fittings and covers on your pool and spa to be sure that they are the proper size, properly attached, and meet current safety standards. If your pool or spa has a single drain outlet, consider installing a safety vacuum release system that breaks the vacuum to avoid potential entrapment conditions.
For more information on drowning prevention, or to receive free publications with useful information for consumers on how to prevent drowning, contact the CPSC hotline at (800) 638-2772, or write to “Pool Safety”, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C., 20207.
Backyard Safety
Keep Children Safe
• Keep children indoors while mowing or using other dangerous outdoor tools.
• Keep children far away from barbecue grills when cooking.
• All garden equipment and tools should be kept where children cannot reach
them. Store all sharp tools pointing downward.
Prevent Burn Injuries
• Use gasoline only as a fuel for motors.
• Store gasoline in a container designed just for gasoline in a shed or garage with
a lock.
• Gasoline can catch fire with only a tiny spark.
• Gasoline must never be brought indoors, even in small amounts.
• Use gasoline only outside. The vapors (fumes) are very dangerous if you bring
gasoline inside a building.
• Fill gas tanks away from smokers.
• Fill mowers and gasoline-powered tools outside, before starting the job.
• Re-fuel only after the tool has completely cooled down.
Grilling Safety
According to the NFPA, gas and charcoal grills caused an average of 900 structure fires and 3,500 outdoor fires in or on home properties in 2002, resulting in a combined direct property loss of $30 million. To make sure your next barbecue doesn't go up in flames, the Home Safety Council recommends the following safety tips:
* Designate the grilling area a "No Play Zone" keeping kids and pets well away until grill equipment is completely cool.
* Before using, position your grill at least 3 feet away from other objects, including the house and any shrubs or bushes.
* Only use starter fluid made for barbecue grills when starting a fire in a charcoal grill.
* Before using a gas grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line to be sure it is working properly and not leaking.
* Never use a match to check for leaks. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don't attempt to light the grill again until the leak is fixed.
* Never bring a barbecue grill indoors, or into any unventilated space. This is both a fire and carbon monoxide poisoning hazard.
Have a safe and happy summer!
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