“101 DAYS OF SUMMER 2009”

1. “101 DAYS OF SUMMER 2009”

2. Fireworks • During the past 10 years, about a third of the injuries associated with fireworks have been caused by illegal explosives or homemade fireworks • Check local laws. Make sure fireworks are legal where you live • If legal, know what kinds are legal and what kinds aren't • Don't let small children play with fireworks or set them off • Read the warnings, rules and instructions • Wear eye protection and keep all body parts out of the line of fire

3. Fireworks • Make sure the audience is out of range of misfired or misdirected rockets and Roman candles • Set off fireworks on a hard, flat surface away from flammables • Wait several minutes before walking up to a firework that didn't go off. Don't try to relight duds or misfires. Soak them in water • Have a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby • Buy fireworks from reliable retailers • Never experiment with fireworks or try to make homemade ones • Avoid storing fireworks for extended periods. If you must, store them in a cool, dry place

4. Fireworks • When the show is over, soak the expended fireworks and dispose of them in a trash container • M-80s and "blockbusters" are not legal fireworks; they are dangerous, banned explosives. Avoid anything that isn't clearly labeled with the name of the product, the manufacturer's name and instructions for proper use • If you attend a professional display: • You don't need to get close. The best view is from several hundred yards away • If debris falls nearby, don't touch it • Leave pets at home. Dogs, in particular, can have their hearing damaged by the explosions

5. Grilling and Cooking Out Here's how to make sure that starting a fire or getting burned isn't on the menu • Keep your grill at least three feet from your house, trees or bushes • Use starter fluid made especially for barbecue grills. Follow the instructions about how to apply and light it • Don't squirt starter fluid on a fire you've already tried to start • Never use gasoline to try to start or restart charcoal. Gasoline is incredibly explosive and dangerous • Keep children away from the grill while you are cooking, and after you finish while the grill is still hot • Don't leave lit grills unattended

6. Grilling and Cooking Out • If you have a gas grill, make sure you read and follow the instructions about how to use and store it • Make sure the valves work and that you are completely familiar with how to use them and with their purpose. Make sure they are off when you aren't using the grill • Store gas cylinders outside and keep them away from buildings • If your gas grill needs repairs, take it to an authorized dealer or repair shop

7. Vehicle Travel Safety • Apply personal risk management when trip planning both on- and off-duty • Get a good nights rest prior to traveling • Try to avoid traveling during the hrs of darkness • Take breaks during travel to reduce fatigue and stress • A 14-hour day, including driving and all other activities, should be the maximum • Individuals under the age of 26 need a ‘Pre-Departure Safety Briefing’ accomplished by their supervisor prior to Leave, TDY or PCS • Inspect vehicle tires, fluids, belts, hoses, and wiper blades prior to traveling • Have an emergency kit available in your vehicle • Follow all posted speed limits and road signs

8. Proper Seatbelt Use • Always wear your seat belt • Always insist that passengers wear theirs as well • Always wear both the lap belt and shoulder belt • Never slip the shoulder belt behind your body • Never wear the shoulder belt under your arm • Be sure the belt fits snugly against your body • Pregnant women should still wear their seatbelts • Avoid holding objects on your lap or in your hands • Move the front seats back • Children under the age of 12 should always ride in the back seat • Children in safety seats should ride in age- and size-appropriate seats

9. How to Spot a Drunk Driver • Trouble staying in the correct position in lane of traffic: • Weaving • Swerving • Straddling the lines that mark lanes • Turning with too wide a radius • Drifting around within their lane • Almost hitting something  • They don't brake and accelerate normally: • Stopping too far away / too close to things • Braking in a jerky manner • Speeding up or slowing down for no apparent reason • Driving more than 10 mph under the speed limit 

10. How to Spot a Drunk Driver • They don't pay attention and lose situational awareness: • Driving in wrong lane or wrong way on a one-way street • Slow in response to traffic signals or markings • Stopping for no apparent reason • Driving without headlights at night • Failing to signal, or signaling and then not following through  • They show poor judgment: • Following too closely • Changing lanes improperly or dangerously • Making illegal or improper turns • Driving on something other than the street • Unusual behavior

11. Motorcycle Riding Tips More than two-thirds of the time when cars and motorcycles crash, the driver causes the wreck, not the motorcyclist. Most of the time, the driver didn't see the motorcycle. • Don't assume a driver can see you • Wear a helmet with retro-reflective materials • Wear a bright outer garment during the day • Wear reflective clothing at night • Ride with your headlight on • Beware of blind spot. Avoid riding in them • Use your turn signals and don't make any sudden moves

12. ATV Riding Tips • Read the owner's manual carefully and follow the operating procedures described. Pay special attention to the warnings in the manual and all labels on the machine • Do not operate an ATV without proper instruction. Take a training course. An ATV is not a toy • Do not let children ride an adult-size ATV. Children (and some adults) lack the strength and skill to correct an unstable ATV weighing 500 to 1,000 pounds and capable of traveling 55 mph or more • Children under 12 should not operate an ATV. Children age 12-16 should ride ATVs with an engine size of 90cc or less • Always wear an approved motorcycle helmet. Also wear eye-protection, boots with ankle support, gloves, long pants, and a long sleeved shirt or jacket as conditions warrant

13. ATV Riding Tips • Never operate an ATV on pavement. They are not designed for use on paved surfaces and may be difficult to control • Do not operate an ATV on any public road, even dirt or gravel roads, collision with cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles can be deadly • Do not ride at excessive speeds. With their short wheelbase and maneuverability, ATVs are very unstable and easily flip on uneven ground. Go at a speed that is proper for the terrain, visibility conditions, and your experience • Be especially cautious when approaching hills, turns, and obstacles and when operating on unfamiliar or rough terrain. Keep at least 10 feet between your ATV and another vehicles • Do not consume alcohol or drugs before or while operating an ATV

14. Driving in the Age of the Cell Phone • Know the local rules about wireless phones and driving. • Use a hands-free device • Keep your wireless phone where you can easily reach it, so that you can get it without taking your eyes off the road • If you are talking and the traffic or weather gets bad, end the call and call back later • Don't take notes or look up phone numbers while driving • If you must use the phone while driving, try to make the call(s) when you aren't moving or when conditions are favorable • Conversations that involve emotion or that produce stress are the most distracting. Avoid them when you are driving

15. Swimming Safety

16. Swimming Safety • Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. The American Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. To enroll in a course to learn or improve your ability to swim, contact your localRed Cross chapter • Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone

17. Swimming Safety • Know your swimming limits and stay within them. Don't try to keep up with a stronger, skilled swimmer or encourage others to keep up with you • Swim in supervised areas only

18. Swimming Safety • Obey "No Diving" signs that indicate the area is unsafe for headfirst entries. Enter feet-first into water rather than headfirst if you don't know the depth. In addition, learn the correct way to dive from a qualified instructor

19. Swimming Safety Watch out for the "dangerous too's" -- too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity Do not chew gum or eat while you swim; you could easily choke

20. Swimming Safety • Use common sense about swimming after eating. In general, you do not have to wait an hour after eating before you may safely swim. However, if you have had a large meal, it is wise to let digestion get started before doing strenuous activity such as swimming.

21. Swimming Safety • Alcohol and swimming don't mix. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination, especially in the water. It affects your swimming and diving skills and reduces the body's ability to stay warm • Wear foot protection: people's feet can get burned from the sand or cut from glass hidden in the sand

22. Swimming Safety • Know local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Because water conducts electricity, it is wise to stop swimming or boating as soon as you see or hear a storm • Know how to prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies. Remember CHECK-CALL-CARE: CHECK the scene to ensure it's safe and CHECK the victim, CALL 9-1-1 or your local emergency number, and CARE for the person until help arrives

23. Swimming 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 3:00 p.m. and wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor containing a high rating such as 35 or higher

24. Swimming Safety Drink plenty of water regularly and often even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. 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

25. Boating Accidents Most boating fatalities are usually not weather-related. Fatalities typically occur in open boats on inland waters in the afternoon when the weather and visibility are good, the winds and water are light to calm

26. Personal Flotation Devices • Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) are critical when: • - Water skiing • - Riding personal watercraft • - Children under age 12 in boats • Boats under 16’ must carry a wearable PFD for each occupant • Boats 16’ and over must carry a wearable PFD for each occupant and one throw able life preserver

27. Boating Safety • Ensure everyone onboard has a PFD • Check state licensing requirements • Do not over load the boat • Learn and use boating etiquette • Check weather forecast • Take cover on land if lightning is present • Always file a float plan • Do not drink alcoholic beverages and operate a boat

28. Heat Related Stress

29. Ignoring Symptoms If you don't recognize the signs of heat exhaustion or choose to ignore them (or in some unfortunate cases are unable to do anything about them), here is what can happen:

30. Heat Illness Effects

31. Heat Injury Prevention • Take in fluids prior to and during exercise • Gradually build tolerance • Stay fit - don’t over estimate your fitness • Recognize medical conditions • Wear light-weight clothing • Never leave children or pets in a hot car

32. Sunburn Facts • Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays is most severe 6-48 hours after exposure • Cool bath or aspirin may relieve some pain • Do not apply cream to the burn on the first day--traps in heat and prolongs healing • Fluid-filled blisters indicate 2nd degree burn (do not break) • People with fair skin, freckles, & red or blond hair are at high risk • UV rays are just as strong on hazy days as sunny • Dangers: cancer

33. Prevention • Apply sunscreen before going outside • Reapply if swimming or active • Use a minimum of SPF15 • 30 preferred • 45 for fair-skinned people • Avoid midday sun (1000 to 1500) • Wear a hat • Wear light clothing • Cover arms and legs

34. Have a fun-filled SAFE Summer