School's out, pools are open and people are looking for fun ways to cool down as summer temperatures heat up. As you head to the beach, to the pool, or to the mountains for a camping vacation, Security Force, Inc. encourages you and your family to keep safety in mind! Here are some safty tips

Camping Safety:

Review the equipment and supplies needed, particularly in case of an emergency. Recommended items include a cell phone or other means of communication, such as a two-way radio, compass, first aid kit, food and water, flashlight, matches, insect repellant, radio with batteries and emergency signaling devices (whistle, pocket mirror, foil), map and sunscreen.

· Before going, check weather conditions and be sure to leave a copy of trip itinerary with family or friends.

· It's safest to hike or camp with at least one companion. If entering a remote area, the 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 going into an unfamiliar area, take along someone who knows the area or at least get this information from those who do before setting out.

· After being outdoors or if outdoors for a long period, perform a tick check. Shower immediately after coming indoors. Remove any ticks by doing the following:

· Using a pair of fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull slowly, steadily, and firmly. Avoid crushing the tick's body.

· Once removed, clean the area with antiseptic, such as alcohol.

· Save the tick in a jar of alcohol or taped it to a piece of cardboard so it can be identified by the local health department.

 

Pool Safety

· Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim.

· Never leave a child unobserved around water. Maintain "reach supervision" for young children. That is, always be within arms reach of a child in case an emergency arises.

· Never swim alone or allow anyone else to swim alone.

· Always keep basic lifesaving equipment - reaching pole, rope, ring bouy with line attached -- by the pool and know how to use it.

· Contact the local American Red Cross to learn first aid, CPR and water safety. Make certain that all caregivers, such as babysitters and grandparents, know first aid and CPR.

· Keep a cordless phone by the pool so if an emergency arises, it won't be necessary to leave the scene. Post emergency numbers and CPR instructions.

· Establish an emergency action plan for potential pool emergencies and practice just like with a home fire drill.

· Enclose the pool on all four side with a self-locking, self-closing fence with vertical bars.

· Post pool rules, such as when the pool is "open" and diving instructions. Educate all pool users about the rules and enforce them.

· Outfit everyone with the proper gear. Kids - and even adults - who are not strong swimmers or who appear to rely on inflatable toys for safety should use U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) whenever they are in or around the water.

· Keep the pool properly maintained and treated. Keep chemicals in a locked cabinet.

Grill Safety and Treatment of a Burn