As the summer season is officially upon us family and friends enjoy the relaxation of camping. Whether you're spending the weekend camping with your family at the local state park or backpacking through the backcountry, there are some general rules of camping safety that you should always follow. Many of these camping safety tips are simply common sense, but it is still a good idea to review these guidelines before setting out for any type of outdoor adventure.

General camping safety begins before you ever set out on your vacation. Check the weather forecast ahead of time and be prepared for rain or storms. Pack emergency rain gear, as well as a well-stocked first aid kit, and plan to arrive at your campsite as early as possible. You want plenty of time to set up camp before the sun sets. Upon arrival, inspect your campsite closely for glass and harmful debris, poisonous plants and animals, and areas that may be prone to flooding in the case of a heavy downpour. Set up your tent on flat ground and remove any rocks, branches, or other objects that could damage your tent or be uncomfortable to sleep on.



If you are camping with children, check the campsite closely for fire ants, hornet or wasp nests, dangerous grades, and other potential hazards before settling in. Wear light colors and refrain from using scented lotions, soaps, and perfumes to prevent attracting bees and mosquitoes. citronella candles can ward off mosquitoes as well. Use caution whenever you operate your propane stove or grill and anytime you have a campfire. Never leave any of these unattended. Keep your campsite clean, storing food in closed containers and disposing of garbage, to reduce the chances of bears, raccoons, or other wild animals entering your campsite. Never keep food items inside your tent.

Anytime you decide to enjoy the great outdoors it is important to exercise hiking and outdoor activity safety by remembering that YOU are in nature's domain. To stay safe, it is your responsibility to follow the proper safety precautions. It is a good idea to become familiar with poisonous and harmful plants, animals, and insects that are common to your area. Always carry a small first aid kit while hiking or biking and have knowledge of first aid procedures for outdoors. If you should come in contact with poison ivy or sumac, apply calamine lotion to the infected area to relieve the itching.

Stay on the designated trail and avoid high grass and overgrowth. Wear light colors so ticks are easy to spot and check your head and body for any possible ticks each night. If you find a tick that has already bitten, remove it gently with tweezers, taking care not to crush the body or leave the head. Clean the bite area with warm water and soap and see a doctor if you experience a fever or rash within the next few days or if you think the tick was attached for more than 2 days.

 

Enjoy and have a safe and fun filled summer! 



 

Heat exposure is dangerous and must be taken seriously. Each year it is responsible for causing 300 deaths in the United States. Everyone should take the necessary steps to protect themselves from the serious health effects that can occur during times of extreme heat and high humidity.



Elderly, small children and people with chronic disease are more prone to heat-related illness. People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to properly cool themselves. The body normally cools itself by sweating. When humidity levels are high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Air conditioning provides the best protection from heat exposure and heat-related deaths. However some people may be fearful of high utility bills and limit their use of air conditioning. This places people who may be already at risk for heat illness at increased risk.



Many people think electric fans are sufficient during extreme heat. Fans may provide comfort, but they will not prevent heat-related illness when the temperature is in the high 90’s. Heat-stroke is a severe illness that occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106 degree Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. This type of heat-related illness can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.



Warning signs of heat illness vary but may include: extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees Fahrenheit), red, hot and dry skin (no sweating), throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea and confusion possible leading to unconsciousness. Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. If left untreated, it can progress to more serious heat stroke.


 


Those most prone to heat exhaustion are the elderly, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment. The warning signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache or fainting. In additional heat exhaustion could exhibit signs of paleness, tiredness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting as well as the skin may be cool and moist at the touch.



A great way to keep cool is to go swimming or take shade from the direct sunlight. Additional tips to consider during hot weather would be to take a cool shower or bath. Drink plenty of water unless you have specific directions otherwise from your doctor. Refrain from drinking liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar – these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. If you have air conditioning, stay inside where it is cool. If you don’t have air conditioning, spend some time in a public building that has air conditioning, or get outside into the shade for at least part of everyday. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.



If you must be out in the heat limit your outdoor activity to morning or evening hours. Cut down on physical activity and drink plenty of water. Try to rest often in shady areas and protect yourself from the sun by wearing a ventilated hat (such as straw or mesh) and sunglasses, as well as applying sunscreen. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and NEVER leave children, pets or individuals with special needs in a parked car for ANY amount of time since vehicle temperatures can raise to dangerous levels in just a few minutes. Finally check on family, friends, and neighbors often to assess their condition, especially elderly persons and those who have special needs.



For additional information regarding heat related emergencies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/.

 

Swimming is a healthy and fun activity for everyone, but it is also an activity that needs to be closely monitored. Did you know that drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children between the age of one and fourteen and that nine people drown in the United States every day?  Two-thirds of all drowning occur between May and August.  Approximately 75% of child drowning occur because of a lapse of adult supervision of less than five minutes!

 

Summer is well underway and a lot of you out there still want to take advantage of the remaining weeks of the season by going on a trip or an outing. The best way to beat the summer heat is heading for the pool or the beach for a refreshing swim.  It’s all right to celebrate these hot, hazy days of summer by having fun with family and friends but don’t forget to prioritize safety. Even good swimmers should be extra careful while swimming in the pool or the beach. Don’t put your safety at risk. Before you pack your towels or slather on the sunscreen review these basic safety tips to make your summer outing is smooth and worry-free. Make your summer hurrah a fun as well as a safe one. General safety measures when swimming include NEVER swim alone. Even if you’re a good swimmer, a sudden cramp can cause drowning. In case of an emergency, make sure there is someone around who can help you or run for help. Never leave kids, especially very young ones, alone or unsupervised near or in the water. Do not eat while swimming; not even bubble gum, chewing food while swimming can cause choking. Take a break from swimming if you want to eat. Never swim when intoxicated.   Do not drink alcoholic beverages if you have plans of going swimming.

 

It is not advisable to jump into the water to save someone who is drowning if you are not trained in this type of life saving technique.  Knowing how to swim is not enough in saving a person’s life. There have been many cases in the past where the rescuer drowned along with the person who needed rescuing. A drowning person is usually overwhelmed with panic and could hold on to his rescuer and pull the rescuer down with him.  If such an emergency situation presents itself, it is best to call for help and throw a floatable device (such as a ‘Life Ring”) towards the victim.  Make sure you brace your legs and stand away from the edge to avoid falling into the water as soon as the victim gets hold of the life ring. Do not swim in pools that have missing or broken drain covers because this can trap a person swimming underwater. Inflatable pools have become popular for backyard use. Parents should always supervise their children when they are swimming in inflatable pools. If the inflatable pool is not in use, drain the water to avoid younger kids falling accidentally into the pool while playing in the yard.

 

Pool safety begins by finding out how deep the pool is before swimming to avoid getting caught off guard. Some people are comfortable swimming in shallow water where their feet can reach the bottom but panic when the water becomes deeper. Make sure you know how deep the water is so you can set your personal limit or boundary. Never dive in shallow parts of the pool. Make sure the water is deep enough to break your fall before jumping or diving into the pool. Diving into shallow water is very dangerous because you can sustain serious or fatal injuries. Do not push, shove or play rough in the pool to avoid serious and fatal accidents. Keep playtime in the pool light and fun. Do not run near the swimming pool because it’s a potential slipping hazard. Areas near the pool are usually slippery because it’s wet.  One slip can cause serious injuries or even death. Keep in mind that floating devices or aids, usually called “floaties,” are not approved as a life vest substitute. According to the “American Academy of Paediatrics”, floating aids may give parents a “false sense of security.” Inflatable air mattresses, beach balls and other toys can help a person float but one should not rely on such things when swimming because they can lose air or float away. Do not swim in pools that have missing or broken drain covers because this can trap a person swimming underwater. Inflatable pools have become popular for backyard use. Parents should always supervise their children when they are swimming in inflatable pools. If the inflatable pool is not in use, drain the water to avoid younger kids falling accidentally into the pool while playing in the yard.

 

 

For boating safety whether adults or children should always wear life jackets at all times when aboard any type of pleasure craft. Make sure the life jacket is the right size for your child. The jacket should not be loose. It should always be worn as instructed with all straps belted. Adolescents and adults should avoid riding or operating any type of pleasure craft when intoxicated. Ocean and beach safety always remember not to swim in the ocean by yourself, always have a swimming buddy with you. It is best to swim in the ocean when there is a lifeguard on duty. It is best to swim parallel to the shore and not away from the shore. Never swim out too far. Do not panic when you get caught in a rip current. According to MedcineNet.com the best thing to do is just “tread water and allow the rip current to carry you out -- they tend to dissipate outside the breaking surf.”

 

 

There's more to water safety than precautions in the water. When you're outdoors, protect your skin with generous amounts of sunscreen. To avoid heatstroke and dehydration, drink plenty of water — even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol. If you think you've had too much sun, head indoors. Sometimes calling it a day early is the best way to make a splash!

 

Every year Americans look forward to summer vacations, camping, family reunions, picnics, and the Fourth of July. Summertime, however, also brings fires and injuries due to outdoor cooking and recreational fires. Annually, there are almost 3,800 Americans injured by gas or charcoal grill fires. Summertime should be a time of fun and making happy memories. Knowing a few fire safety tips and following safety instructions will help everyone have a safe summer.

 

Residential Grill Fire Facts, an estimated 5,700 grill fires occur on residential properties each year in the United States. Almost half (49 percent) of grill fires on residential properties occur from 5 to 8 p.m. Over half (57 percent) of grill fires on residential properties occur in the 4 months of May, June, July, and August. Thirty-two percent of grill fires on residential properties start on patios, terraces, screened-in porches, or courtyards.

 

Grill Safety, propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation. Position the grill well away from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic. Keep children and pets from the grill area: declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill. Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when cooking. Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill. With charcoal grills purchase the proper starter fluid and store out of reach of children and away from heat sources. Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.



Propane Grills, check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will reveal escaping propane quickly by releasing bubbles. If you determined your grill has a gas leak by smell or the soapy bubble test and there is no flame; turn off the propane tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill. All propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection devices (OPD). OPDs shut off the flow of propane before capacity is reached, limiting the potential for release of propane gas if the cylinder heats up. OPDs are easily identified by their triangular-shaped hand wheel. Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturers' instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it. Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.



Fire Pits, in recent years, there has been a new concern for the Fire Service - fire pits. Fire pits are known to be a great source of warmth and ambience. But, with the popularity of fire pits increasing, fire safety has become even more important. There are many things you should consider while setting up and using a fire pit. Keep away from flammable material and fluids such as gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid or vehicles while in use. Do not use flammable fluids such as gasoline, alcohol, diesel fuel, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid to light or relight fires. Exercise the same precautions you would with an open fire. Do not allow children to use the fire pit. Keep children and pets away. Do not wear flammable or loose fitting clothing such as nylon. Do not burn trash, leaves, paper, cardboard, or plywood. Avoid using soft wood such as pine or cedar that likely pop and throw sparks. Use of seasoned hardwood is suggested. Before starting the fire, make sure that the lid will still close to extinguish the fire in case of emergency. Do not overload. Before you light the fire, check the wind direction. Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby.



Campfires, when building a camp fire, follow these campfire safety tips from “Smokey Bear”. How to Pick Your Spot, DO NOT build a fire at a site in hazardous, dry conditions. DO NOT build a fire if the campground, area, or event rules prohibit campfires. FIND OUT if the campground has an existing fire ring or fire pit. If there is not an existing fire pit, and pits are allowed, look for a site that is at least fifteen feet away from tent walls, shrubs, trees or other flammable objects. Also beware of low-hanging branches overhead. Extinguishing Your Campfire when you're ready to put out your fire and call it a night, follow these guidelines; allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible. Pour lots of water on the fire; drown all embers, not just the red ones. Pour until hissing sound stops. Stir the campfire ashes and embers with a shovel. Scrape the sticks and logs to remove any embers. Stir and make sure everything is wet and they are cold to the touch. If you do not have water, use dirt. Mix enough dirt or sand with the embers. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cool. REMEMBER: DO NOT bury the fire as the fire will continue to smolder and could catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and start a wildfire.

 

REMEMBER: If it is too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave!

 

This year Fire Prevention Week is October 7th through October 13th. Regardless fire prevention should be practiced every day. Did you know on the average more than 4,000 Americans die in fires, more than 25,000 are injured in fires, and more than 100 firefighters are killed while on duty. Eighty three percent of all civilian fire deaths occurred in residences. Many of these fires could have been prevented. Cooking is the third leading cause of fire deaths and the leading cause of injury among people ages 65 and older. Direct loss due to fires is estimated at nearly $8.6 billion annually. Intentionally set structure fires resulted in an estimated $664 million in property damage. In order to protect yourself, it is important to understand the basic characteristics of fire. First “Fire is FAST”, in just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames. Second, “Fire is DARK”, fire produces gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Instead of being awakened by a fire, you may fall into a deeper sleep. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three- to- one ratio. Finally, “Fire is HOT” Heat and smoke from fire can be more dangerous than the flames. Inhaling the superhot air can burn up your lungs.



Here are some tips you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your property in the event of a fire. Install smoke alarms. Properly working smoke alarms decrease your chances of dying in a fire by half. Place smoke alarms on every level of your residence, including the basement.  Install a working carbon monoxide detector in the common area of the bedrooms. Test and clean smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. Replace smoke alarms once every 10 years. Never leave cooking unattended. Always wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook. Keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames and never use the range or oven to heat your home. Speaking of heating your home, place your space heaters at least three feet away from flammable or combustible materials. Use only the type of fuel designated for your space heater.



Every year, almost 1,000 smokers and non-smokers are killed in home fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials. The U.S. Fire Administration is working to help prevent home fire deaths and other injuries caused by smoking materials. Never smoke in bed or when drowsy or medicated. If you must smoke, do it responsibly. Fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials are preventable by keeping matches and/or lighters away from children. In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 44,900 fires that were started by someone, usually a child, playing with fire. These fires caused 90 civilian deaths, 890 civilian injuries and $210 million in direct property damage.



Decorating homes and businesses is a long-standing tradition around the holiday seasons. Unfortunately, these same decorations may increase your chances of fire. Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires or loose plugs. Make sure outlets have cover plates and no exposed wiring. Make sure wiring does not run under rugs, over nails, or across high traffic areas. Do not overload extension cords or outlets.



Have an escape plan. Review escape routes with your family. Make sure windows are not nailed or painted shut. Teach family members to stay low to the floor, where the air is safer, when escaping from a fire. In high-rise, never lock fire exits or doorways, halls or stairways. Never prop stairway or other fire doors open. Check closed doors with the back of your hand to feel for heat before you open them. If the door is “hot” do not open it. Find a second way out, such as a window. If you cannot escape through a window, hang a white sheet outside the window to alert firefighters to your presence. Stuff the cracks around the door with towels, rags, bedding or tape and cover vents to keep smoke out. If there is a phone in the room where you are trapped, call the fire department again and tell them exactly where you are.  If the door is cold slowly open it and ensure that fire and/or smoke is not blocking your escape route. If your escape route is blocked, shut the door and use another escape route. If clear, leave immediately and close the door behind you. Be prepared to crawl. If your clothes catch on fire, you should “Stop, drop, and roll” until the fire is extinguished.



Do not panic and do not assume someone else already called the fire department get out of the house then call the Fire Department. Once you are out of the building, STAY OUT! Do not go back inside for any reason. If you are with a burn victim or are a burn victim yourself call 911, cool and cover your burns until emergency units arrive. If you are a tenant contact the landlord. Tell the fire department if you know of anyone trapped in the building. Only enter when the fire department tells you it is safe to do so.



The above list is not all inclusive, but is meant to increase your fire safety awareness in the home.  The Carlisle Fire Company is asking all citizens to take the time and evaluate your home, so that you too, can insure the protection of your home and family from fire. For more information please contact the Carlisle Fire Company, 615 Northwest Front Street, Milford, DE by dialing 302-422-8001.