SUMMER SAFETY	WINTER SAFETY
Summer brings a much needed break after a long winter, however with warmer weather comes a host of potentially dangerous activities and conditions.  For more information on summer safety check out the links below.	Vermont is a winter wonderland, however poor driving conditions, freezing temperatures, and other dangers are common. For more information on winter-related safety check out the links below.
Barbecues Beware when you barbecue.  In 1999 alone, gas and charcoal grills caused 1,500 structure fires and 4,200 outdoor fires.  When using barbecue grills on decks or patios, be sure to leave sufficient space from siding and eaves.  Barbecue Quick Tips: Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Keep children and pets far away from the grill. Only use charcoal starter fluids designed for barbecue grills and do not add fluid after the coals have been lit. With gas grills, be sure that the hose connection is tight and check hoses carefully for leaks.  Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and have the grill repaired by a professional if necessary.   Campfire Safety Camping can be a fun summer-time activity for families and individuals, but fires at the campsite can be dangerous.  Follow the tips below to have a safe and enjoyable time camping this summer: Always use a flame retardent tent and set up camp far away from the campfire. Only use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent or any other closed space, not liquid-filled heaters or lanterns. Always build your campfire down wind and away from your tent.  Clear all vegetation and dig a pit surrounded by rocks before building your campfire. Store liquid fire starter (not gas) away from your tent and campfire and only use dry kindling to freshen the campfire. Always put out a campfire when going to sleep or leaving the campsite. To extinguish the fire, cover it with dirt or pour water over it. See the following links below for more information on fire safety: Camping and Outdoor Recreation Safety (Safe Kids USA)  Grilling Safety (National Fire Prevention Association) Fireworks Fireworks dazzle and help us celebrate our special occasions.  They also burn at 1,500 degrees and are very dangerous, especially for children.  Most emergency room visits are the result of small firecrackers, bottle rockets and sparklers.  While most fireworks are illegal in Vermont without a special permit, sparklers, snakes, party poppers, glow worms, smoke devices, string poppers, snappers, or drop pops are legal in Vermont.  If you do use these fireworks, be sure there is adult supervision, keep young children away and keep a bucket of water nearby. Check out the following link for further information: Using Fireworks Safely (National Safety Council)  Lightening National Lightning Safety Institute - Safety Tips Sunburn The warm sun gives us a sense of well being, however excessive exposure to damaging UV rays can be dangerous.  Children are most at risk for exposure to UV rays so apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) liberally and often.  Wearing a hat and sunglasses will also help prevent undue exposure to UV radiation.  Avoid mid-day sun.  For more information on sun safety, visit: Sun and Heat Exposure (National Safety Council)  Summer Safety - General Links Summer Safety Primer from the FDA Safety Tips from the Red Cross(includes tips on sun safety)  Lawnmower Safety Lawnmower Safety (American Academy of Pediatrics)  Lawnmower Safety	Snow Shoveling & Snow Blowing Preventing Snow Shoveling and Snow Blowing Injuries  Snow Shoveling Safety (National Safety Council)  Snowblower Rule #1: Never put your hand inside a snowblower - even when the machine is not running.  Frostbite and Hypothermia Avoid frostbite by covering up exposed skin as needed.  Also, wear or carry layers of clothing in case there's a change in weather to avoid possible hypothermia. Here are some simple things to keep in mind to avoid hypothermia: Be prepared for adverse conditions with appropriate clothing and shelter. Avoid alcohol if cold exposure is anticipated. Avoid getting wet. Change into dry clothing immediately if you do get wet. Keep well hydrated. When exposure to cold conditions is required, the buddy system is recommended.    For more information about frostbite and hypothermia visit the links below: Stay Safe in the Cold Weather (Red Cross) Preventing Frostbite  Windchill Chart and Calculator (NOAA)    Safe Winter Driving Tips: Bridges and overpasses freeze first, so always slow down and avoid sudden changes in speed or direction. Keep windows clear. Keep your speed steady and slow -- but not so slow that your car gets stuck in deeper snow. Use your brakes cautiously. Abrupt braking can cause brake lock-up and cause you to lose steering control. To make Antilock Brakes work correctly, apply constant, firm pressure to the pedal. During an emergency stop, push the brake pedal all the way to the floor, if necessary, even in wet or icy conditions. If you get stuck in snow, straighten the wheels and accelerate slowly. Avoid spinning the tires. Use sand or cinders under the drive wheels. Check out the following links on winter driving safety: Winter Car Safety Prepare Your Car for Winter Home and Road Safety Injury Prevention Page at Fletcher Allen Winter Safety - General Links Winter Weather - Stay Safe and Healthy (CDC) Winter Storms Emergency Preparedness (OSHA)   What's the difference between a Winter Storm Watch, Warning, and Advisory? Winter storm watch: Be alert, a storm is likely. It may happen or it may not. Winter weather advisory: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to motorists.  It is coming so get ready. Winter storm warning: Take action, the storm is in or entering the area.  It's here!