Lightning Safety
Approximately 400 people are struck by lightning each year in the United States. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following steps to prevent death or injury
When playing or working outdoors, be mindful of weather
reports of thunderstorms, especially during the thunderstorm season.
Take steps to protect yourself before it actually starts to rain, as lightning sometimes starts before rain begins;
If you hear thunder, avoid standing near trees or tall objects;
Avoid high ground, water, open spaces, metal objects such as golf clubs, umbrellas, fences and tools;
When indoors, turn off appliances and other electronic devices and stay inside until the storm passes;
If you see someone struck by lightning who is suffering cardiac arrest, begin CPR immediately and CALL 911.
Walking the Line
Before summer vacation gets under way, make sure your child has learned these important walking safety tips:
Walk on the sidewalk if there is one; If there is no sidewalk and you must walk on the road, be sure to walk facing traffic;
Before crossing the street, always Stop first. Look left, then right, then left again for moving cars before stepping into the street;
At intersections, always pay special attention to turning vehicles;
Never dart out in front of a parked car. The driver coming down the street cannot see you. Always check to make sure that there is no driver in the parked car and that the car is not running. Then walk - don't run - across the road.
All Terrain Vehicle Safety
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are fun, but they are also deadly. ATVs are especially dangerous for children. Children under 16 accounted for approximately 40 percent of the total ATV-related injuries and deaths in 2000. With their large, soft tires and high center of gravity, ATVs can reach speeds of up to 50 mph or more. Almost 60 percent of accidents involving ATVs result from tipping and overturning.
Here are some other safety tips for ATV use. Following these
guidelines could help reduce your risk of injury.
Read all instruction manuals and follow manufacturers' recommendations for use, maintenance and pre-use checks.
Never operate an ATV on pavement or on a public road. Almost 10 percent of injuries and over 25 percent of deaths occurred while the ATV was on a paved road.
Always wear protective gear. Helmets are especially important in reducing the risk of head injury. Protective gloves and heavy boots, eye protection and protective, reflective clothing can also help reduce injuries. Appropriate helmets are those are those designed for motorcycles (not bicycle) use and should include safety visors/face shields for eye protection.
Do not operate at excessive speeds after dark. ATVs are difficult to control and collisions with other vehicles can result in severe injuries or death.
Children who are not licensed to drive a car should not be allowed to operate off-road vehicles. Off-road vehicles are particularly dangerous for children younger than 16 years who may have immature judgment and motor skills.
Riding double should not be permitted because passengers are frequently injured.
Flags, reflectors and lights should be used to make vehicles more visible.
Drivers of recreational vehicles should not drive after drinking alcohol. Parents should set an example for their children in this regard.
Young drivers should be discouraged from on-road riding of any 2-wheeled motorized cycle, even when they are able to be licensed to do so, because the are inherently more dangerous than passenger cars.
Jogging Safety
A. Choose the right equipment.
Select shoes that fit comfortably with extra room for toes to allow for foot expansion when running.
Clothes should be roomy enough to let you move freely and should "breathe" (let moisture evaporate).
Dress as lightly as possible in porous, light fabrics.
Choose light-colored clothing.
B. When it's hot and humid...
Get used to heat slowly by building up (over 5-7 days) to distances you may have jogged earlier. Run slowly; dress lightly. Jog during morning or evening hours when it's coolest.
Drink plenty of water before and during jogging.
Watch for danger signs such as dizziness, nausea, throbbing, etc. They may indicate heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which are extremely dangerous. Stop running and get prompt medical attention.
C. Rules of the road.
When jogging with others on the roadway, run in single file.
Utilize sidewalks where available and practical.
Always jog facing traffic.
Use extreme caution when crossing streets and at intersections.
Use of headphones is discouraged while jogging on streets.
Trampoline Safety
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that in 2001 there were 91,870 hospital emergency room-treated injuries associated with trampolines. About 93 percent of the victims were under 15 years of age and 11 percent were under 5 years of age. Since 1990, CPSC has received reports of 6 deaths of children under age 15 involving trampolines.
Injuries and deaths were caused by:
Colliding with another person on the trampoline.
Landing improperly while jumping or doing stunts on the trampoline.
Falling or jumping off the trampoline.
Falling on the trampoline springs or frame.
Most of the trampoline injuries were at private homes.
Here are steps you can take to help prevent serious trampoline injuries, especially paralysis, fractures, sprains and bruises:
Allow only one person on the trampoline at a time.
Do not attempt or allow somersaults because landing on the head or neck can cause paralysis.
Do not use the trampoline without shock-absorbing pads that completely cover its springs, hooks and frame.
Lace the trampoline away from structures, trees and other play areas.
No child under 6 years of age should use a full-size trampoline. Do not use a ladder with the trampoline because it provides unsupervised access by small children.
Always supervise children who use a trampoline.
Trampoline enclosures can help prevent injuries from falls off trampolines.