Seasonal Safety Tips - American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter

Seasonal Safety Tips

Water Safety Tips:

•   Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone. The American Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. To enroll in a swim course, contact your local Red Cross chapter.
•   Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.
•   Read and obey all rules and posted signs.
•   Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and its potential hazards, such as deep and shallow areas, currents, depth changes, obstructions and where the entry and exit points are located. The more informed you are, the more aware you will be of hazards and safe practices.
•   Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.
•   Enter headfirst only when the area is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions.
•   Do not mix alcohol with swimming, diving or boating. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body's ability to stay warm.

Beach Safety

•   Protect your skin: Sunlight contains two kinds of UV rays -- UVA increases the risk of skin cancer, skin aging, and other skin diseases. UVB causes sunburn and can lead to skin cancer. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15.
•   Drink plenty of water regularly and often even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool.
o   Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly but make the heat's effects on your body worse. This is especially true with beer, which dehydrates the body.
•   Watch for signs of heat stroke: Heat stroke is life-threatening. The person's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working.
o   The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.
o   Signals of heat stroke include –
•   Hot, red, and usually dry skin, but in some cases such as during athletic activity while wearing a helmet, the skin may be moist
•   Changes in consciousness
•   Rapid, weak pulse, and
•   Rapid, shallow breathing.
o   Call 9-1-1 or your local EMS number.
o   Move the person to a cooler place.
o   Quickly cool the body by wrapping wet sheets around the body and fan it. If you have ice packs or cold packs, place them on each of the victim's wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels.
o   Watch for signals of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear.
o   Keep the person lying down.
•   Wear eye protection
o   Sunglasses are like sunscreen for your eyes and protect against damage that can occur from UV rays.
o   Be sure to wear sunglasses with labels that indicate that they absorb at least 90 percent of UV sunlight.

Boating Safety

•   Alcohol and boating don't mix. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination -- over 50 percent of drownings result from boating incidents involving alcohol. For the same reasons it is dangerous to operate an automobile while under the influence of alcohol, people should not operate a boat while drinking alcohol.
•   Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets for yourself and your passengers when boating and fishing.
•   Find a boating course in your area (U.S. Power Squadron, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, US Sailing, etc) -- these courses teach about navigation rules, emergency procedures and the effects of wind, water conditions, and weather.
•   Watch the weather: Know local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Watch local news programs. Stop boating as soon as you see or hear a storm.

Home Pools

•   Never leave a child unobserved around water. Your eyes must be on the child at all times. Adult supervision is recommended.
•   Post CPR instructions and 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in the pool area.
•   Enclose the pool completely with a self-locking, self-closing fence with vertical bars. Openings in the fence should be no more than four inches wide. The house should not be included as a part of the barrier.
o   The gate should be constructed so that it is self-latching and self-closing.
•   Always keep basic lifesaving equipment by the pool and know how to use it. Pole, rope, and personal flotation devices (PFDs) are recommended.
•   Enroll children in a water safety course or Learn-to-Swim classes. Your decision to provide your child with an early aquatic experience is a gift that will have infinite rewards. These courses encourage safe practices. You can also purchase a Water Safety Handbook at the Red Cross Store.
•   Parents should take a CPR course. Knowing these skills can be important around the water and you will expand your capabilities in providing care for your child. You can contact your local Red Cross to enroll in a CPR course.
•   Never swim alone.

FUN IN THE SUN TIPS

•   Use sunscreen with a rating of at least SPF-15. Make sure to apply it to all areas of your body. For best absorption, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside.
•   Try not to spend too much time under the sun during peak hours of 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
•   Make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours or so. If you go swimming, put some more on as soon as you get out of the water.
•   Be sure to drink plenty of fluids while you’re under the sun. Heat stroke can happen unexpectedly if you’re not properly hydrated. Also, avoid drinking alcohol if you’re going to be out in the sun.
•   And one more thing…just because the sky is overcast, don’t think you can skip the SPF. The sun doesn’t need to be shining bright to deliver damaging rays your way.
Preventing Heat-Related Illness
There are several precautions you can take to avoid heat-related injury and illness.
•   Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
•   Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
•   Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
•   Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m.
•   Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.
•   Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.
•   Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR. While the above tips can help prevent emergencies, it is crucial to know what to do if an emergency situation arises.

Protecting Your Pets

Many people include their pets in outdoor activities, but animals, like humans, can easily overheat during the hot summer months. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) recommends these tips to prevent heat-related illness in a pet:
•   Limit exercise to the coolest part of the day, typically early in the morning. Even in the coolest part of the day, watch for signs of trouble. Glassy eyes and frantic panting indicate a dog needs help.
•   Make sure your dog has constant access to shade and an endless supply of cool, clean water.
•   Never leave a dog in a car, even for a few minutes.
•   Remember that older, obese and short-nosed dogs are less tolerant of heat.
Pet owners should be especially vigilant for signs of heat stroke. Heat stroke in animals can be deadly and requires emergency medical attention. While seeking medical help, cool the animal down with wet towels, spray him/her with cool water, or provide ice chips for him/her to chew if conscious.

Symptoms of heat stroke in animals can include the following:
•   Sluggish and non-responsive demeanor
•   Bright red and/or dry tongue and gums
•   Vomiting or diarrhea
•   Unusual breathing patter, heavy panting, or high heart rate
Know What These Heat-Related Terms Mean:
•   Heat cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are an early signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.
•   Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke. Signals of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale flushed or red skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.
•   Heat stroke: Also known as sunstroke, heat stroke is life-threatening. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. Signals include hot, red and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high—sometimes as high as 105° F.

General Care for Heat Emergencies:

1.   Cool the Body
2.   Give Fluids
3.   Minimize Shock
•   Heat cramps or heat exhaustion: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. If the person is fully awake and alert, give half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not let him or her drink too quickly. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.
•   Heat stroke: Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation! Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.

Tips for Car Drivers and Passengers

•   Everyone in the car should wear a seatbelt, as they lower the risk of injury in the event of a crash by 45 percent.
•   Make sure babies and young children are in safety seats at all times, and that safety seats have been properly installed.
•   Read your car's manual for safety precautions specifically relate to the car and its airbags.
•   Remind teenagers to take extra precautions if they are driving to school or riding with another teenage driver.

Bicycle Safety

•   Many bicycle injuries can be prevented by wearing a helmet. Always wear a correctly-fitting helmet when riding. Even children using tricycles or bikes with training wheels should wear helmets. Adults should also wear helmets at all times, including when riding with children. The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute has more information on how to fit a helmet.
•   Be sure that helmets meet standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Snell Memorial Foundation or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Look for a label or a sticker on the box or inside the helmet indicating that it meets the above standards.
•   Wear closed shoes when riding a bike.
•   Make sure your bike and your child's bike have good brakes, a front light and effective reflecting material.
•   Ride only in safe areas and at safe times.
•   Make sure bikes are the correct size for the rider.
•   Learn about bicycle etiquette, laws, and safe riding practices and teach your children about them.

Hiking and Camping Safety

•   If you have any medical conditions, discuss your plans with your health care provider and get approval before departing.
•   Review the equipment, supplies and skills that you'll need. Consider what emergencies could arise and how you would deal with those situations. What if you got lost, or were unexpectedly confronted by an animal? What if someone became ill or injured? What kind of weather might you encounter? Add to your hiking checklist the supplies you would need to deal with these situations.
•   Make sure you have the skills you need for your camping or hiking adventure. You may need to know how to read a compass, erect a temporary shelter or give first aid. Practice your skills in advance.
•   If your trip will be strenuous, get into good physical condition before setting out. If you plan to climb or travel to high altitudes, make plans for proper acclimatization to the altitude.
•   It's safest to hike or camp with at least one companion. If you'll be entering a remote area, your group should have a minimum of four people; this way, if one is hurt, another can stay with the victim while two go for help. If you'll be going into an area that is unfamiliar to you, take along someone who knows the area or at least speak with those who do before you set out.
•   Some areas require you to have reservations or certain permits. If an area is closed, do not go there. Find out in advance about any regulations--there may be rules about campfires or guidelines about wildlife.
•   Pack emergency signaling devices, and know ahead of time the location of the nearest telephone or ranger station in case an emergency does occur on your trip.
•   Leave a copy of your itinerary with a responsible person. Include such details as the make, year, and license plate of your car, the equipment you're bringing, the weather you've anticipated and when you plan to return.

Poison Prevention Tips:

If you suspect a poisoning emergency, immediately contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Post this number by your telephone. Calls to Poison Control are free.
By following these guidelines, you will be able to help prevent poisoning:
•   Keep all chemicals and medicines locked up and out of sight.
•   Use child-resistant packaging properly by closing the container securely after each use or choosing child-resistant blister cards, which do not need to be re-secured.
•   Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning. Keep on hand a bottle of ipecac syrup but use it only if the poison center instructs you to induce vomiting.
•   When products are in use, never let young children out of your sight, even if you must take them along when answering the phone or doorbell.
•   Keep items in original containers.
•   Leave the original labels on all products, and read the label before using.
•   Do not put decorative lamps and candles that contain lamp oil where children can reach them. Lamp oil can be very toxic if ingested by young children.
•   Always leave the light on when giving or taking medicine. Check the dosage every time.
•   Avoid taking medicine in front of children. Refer to medicine as “medicine,” not “candy.”
•   Clean out the medicine cabinet periodically and safely dispose of unneeded and outdated medicines.
The American Red Cross advocates that at least one person in every household be trained in lifesaving first aid, CPR and AED. This can help people prevent, prepare for and respond to poisoning and other emergencies.
To get a free packet of poison prevention publications, write to Poison Prevention Packet, CPSC, Washington, DC 20207, or visit the Poison Prevention Week Council Web site.

National CPR/AED Awareness Week
In December of 2007, Congress passed a bill designating the first week of June as "National Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Awareness Week". To showcase our commitment to this effort and to highlight June 1-7 as the inaugural CPR/AED Awareness Week, the American Red Cross goal is to reach 250,000 people during that week with CPR and AED information — directly and through collaborations with other organizations.

First Aid/CPR/AED

If you were faced with an emergency situation tomorrow, do you feel that you would be prepared?
The American Red Cross trains nearly 12 million people annually, approximately 1 in 23 Americans to prepare them to handle emergency and life threatening situations. Our professional , comprehensive training in First Aid, CPR and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) course will assist you in being prepared.

The American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter offers several courses to fit your needs. Simply click the link on the left side of the page to select the cours(es) that interest you.
To register for any of our classes, call 716-878-2387.