Independence Day is an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with family, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate the independence of our great nation with a neighborhood fireworks display. With the Fourth of July just around the corner, now is an excellent time to review some safety tips. This article will help you ensure that your Independence Day celebration is memorable for all the right reasons. Let’s dive in.

Fireworks Safety Tips

According to an article by the New York Times, in the month around Independence Day, an average of 230 people per day end up in emergency rooms across the U.S. with fireworks-related injuries. The good news is there are precautions you can take to protect yourself and your family members from fireworks-related injuries. Here are some suggestions.

1. Do not disassemble pre-assembled fireworks, attempt to make your own fireworks, or combine fireworks products.
2. Make sure your fireworks are stored correctly and according to the packaged instructions.
3. Only light fireworks on flat ground, away from flammable materials, and only in a dry and fire-resistant area.
4. Do not light multiple fireworks at the same time.
5. Do not point fireworks at yourself or others while you light them.
6. Ensure the person lighting the fireworks is equipped with safety glasses and is sober. Keep all spectators at a safe distance from fireworks that are being lit.
7. Do not allow young children to handle or light fireworks. Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities.
8. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, along with a hose or bucket in case of a fire or malfunction.
9. If a firework malfunctions, do not relight it. Instead, soak it in water and dispose of it.

Grilling Safety Tips

Grilling goes hand-in-hand with any Independence Day celebration. That being said, the most common insurance claim on the Fourth of July is from cooking fires. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more fires are reported on Independence Day than any other day of the year. Here are some tips to keep your home and family members safe while grilling out this holiday.

1. Keep a three-foot safe zone around your grill. This means keeping your grill at least three feet away from your deck, home, landscaping, or outdoor equipment that could catch fire quickly.
2. If you have a gas grill, check the grill hose for cracks, holes, and leaks before using it.
3. Never grill indoors, in the garage, or in an enclosed area.
4. Keep children and pets away from your grill.
5. Avoid loose clothing that can catch fire while cooking.
6. Open your gas grill before you light it.
7. Remove grease and fat build-up on a regular basis so it cannot be ignited.
8. Be sure to check out the National Fire Protection Association for additional fire safety tips.

Pool Safety Tips

Due to the typically warm weather, water sports are a very popular pastime on Independence Day; however, water sports have been linked to numerous deaths and injuries each year. The below tips will help you stay safe and keep your loved ones safe while enjoying water activities.

1. Monitor young children closely. Never assume someone else is watching the children.
2. Do not allow children to enter the water without proper flotation devices.
3. Set water safety rules for your family.
4. Keep a first aid kit near your pool deck.
5. Never swim alone.
6. Swim sober. Research has shown that alcohol consumption increases the risk of accidental drowning.
7. Apply sunscreen frequently to avoid painful sunburn, sunstroke, or heatstroke.
8. Remember to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Additional Safety Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you experience a fun, safe, and memorable Independence Day.

1. Don’t skip out on applying insect repellent.
2. Check you and your family members’ prescriptions to make sure you will not experience a sun-sensitizing drug reaction.
3. Cover your food and beverages while outdoors to prevent bees and wasps from accidentally being swallowed.
4. Use alcohol responsibly. Check out MADD for some amazing drunk driving prevention tips.
5. Report any illegal explosives to your local police department.
6. Use good judgement when boating and always look up water and weather conditions before leaving the house.

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There are some basic ways to avoid personal harm in situations with a police officer who has a gun drawn. Much of this advice involves common sense, but when there’s a gun pointed at you, it’s easy to panic and accidentally do something that could be misinterpreted as threatening. The safest approach is to follow the officer’s directions, remaining aware of your physical movements and maintaining a calm and respectful tone whenever possible.

Don’t flee from police

If the police approach you and speak to you, do not run, walk away or threaten them. This applies whether you believe you are innocent of wrongdoing or not. Regardless of your rights, running arouses suspicion and greatly increases the chance of a fatal misunderstanding.

• A common belief among police officers is that suspects do not run unless they have a reason to. Do not play into this belief by fleeing. The police are very likely to perceive you as a threat and chase you.
  • Fleeing in a high-crime or suspicious area does not in itself create a “reasonable suspicion” for police officers to stop you. However, police often use characteristics and known histories of an area when making a decision about pursuing a suspect, and this is supported by US law.
  • It is an unfortunate fact that in some cases, race plays a factor in police shootings. Joint analysis by the Washington Post and Bowling Green State University revealed that over three-quarters of the officers charged with fatal shootings in the United States since 2005 were white, while two-thirds of their victims were minorities and all but two of that number were Black. If you are an ethnic minority, you may be in greater danger of police shooting if you flee.
  • Whether or not you are guilty of something illegal, running from the police can be charged as a crime, such as evading arrest or obstruction of justice. In many US states, these crimes are felonies. Running from the police if you are guilty will only make your situation worse. On top of that, if you are not guilty of anything illegal, you will most likely end up with an unnecessary and avoidable arrest and prosecution. That is the last thing you want.

Avoid any sudden movements

No matter what you’re doing when contacted by the police, stop and remain still. At this point, any movement you make that is unexpected is one step closer to getting shot. Do not move toward the officer, either.

• If you’re in a car, don’t reach for anything. Officers are trained to notice when drivers are reaching for something, and they might assume you’re reaching for a weapon or hiding drugs.

Keep your hands visible

Do not make any sudden movements with your hands. Keep them plainly visible.

• If the officer makes a request that requires you to move your hands, such as asking to see identification, verbally confirm that you are complying with his or her request before making any movements.
  • For example, you could tell the officer “I am going to reach into my left back pocket to get my wallet so I can show you my ID.” Do not make any movements unless you have to in order to comply with a police request.

Do not touch, hit, or otherwise assault a police officer

This will almost certainly result in physical force used against you. Police officers are authorized to use deadly force to defend themselves or others from serious harm or threat. As one LAPD officer puts it, “initiating a physical confrontation is a sure recipe for getting hurt.”

• Assaulting or battering a police officer is a very serious crime.

Do what you’re told, and do it slowly

The officer will tell you exactly what he or she wants you to do. That typically includes putting your hands on the back of your head, walking backwards toward the sound of their voice, or lying down on the ground. Obey their orders, but do it at a slow enough pace that you don’t alarm them.

• Police have the right to stop and frisk or pat down suspects if they have “reasonable suspicion” that they are involved in illegal activity. Reasonable suspicion is very broadly defined. Racial and social biases may come into play, and it is very difficult to prove these. For example, over 90 percent of stop-and-frisk incidents in New York City between 2002-2011 were with Black or Latino individuals. If you are an ethnic minority, you may be more likely to be stopped and ordered to submit to frisking, even if you are not behaving suspiciously.
  • Do not assume that you will not be frisked simply because you have done nothing wrong. In New York City, for example, 9 out of 10 people who are stopped and frisked are innocent. It is safer for you not to resist.
  • Police officers are legally required to avoid “excessive force.” Thus, if you submit and do not resist, the officer must stop using force against you. While in reality this does not always happen, complying with an officer rather than resisting will improve your chances of remaining uninjured.

Let yourself be handcuffed

While that may be uncomfortable, struggling against the cuffs or trying to resist in any way is only going to result in further trouble. In many places, it is police protocol to place handcuffs on even the most cooperative of suspects.

• If you have an injury (such as a stiff or “frozen” shoulder or a recently broken shoulder), let the officer know before he or she tries to cuff you and ask politely if your hands can be cuffed in another way rather than behind your back.
  • It may seem unfair to allow this if you do not believe you have done anything wrong. Remain calm, submit to the cuffing, and ask for an attorney. You are far more likely to survive your police encounter this way.

Avoid talking more than necessary

At this point, you’ve either already broken the law and don’t need to make it worse on yourself, or you are the victim of a misunderstanding and need to cooperate to prevent an unfortunate accident. Be cooperative, but do not volunteer any information you are not explicitly asked for. If you are asked a direct question by police, you usually have the right not to answer. However, you should be aware that not answering could be perceived as hostile behavior.

• In the US and many other countries, you have a right to protect yourself from self-incrimination. You should never volunteer information, even if you do not believe yourself guilty of any wrongdoing. Doing so without an attorney present could conceivably cause you problems.
  • If you are foreign to the country and are not sure of your rights, answer questions politely and give only the barest details. If you do not speak the local language fluently, do not attempt to defend yourself verbally. You may accidentally say something that, when translated, incriminates you in some way.
  • An exception to this rule may be if the officer tells you to do something that involves moving. It’s good to tell him what you are doing, even if it seems obvious. It will keep the officer feeling safe and less likely to use a weapon.

Avoid using humor about the situation

Humor is very subjective, and there’s a chance that what you think is a joke could be interpreted as a serious threat by the police.

• Don’t make sarcastic or ironic remarks. The police will likely take anything you say at face value. Even “joking” remarks can be used against you in a criminal court.

Remain calm

It can be terrifying to be stopped by the police, but it’s vital that you remain calm and in control of yourself. If you must speak, do so in a level, clear voice.

• Do not yell, curse, scream, or use aggressive language. Do not call the officer names. Police officers perceive this as threatening behavior and may respond with force.

Be respectful

Police officers represent the law. Always use respectful, polite language when interacting with an officer. Call a police officer “sir,” “ma’am,” or “officer” when speaking to him or her. Even if the police officer is aggressive, maintain a level head and stay polite.

• Do not speak defensively or with hostility. For example, do not say things such as “What are you doing?” or “What’s your problem?” If you want to clarify your situation, ask a polite question, such as “How can I help you, officer?” or “What is the reason, officer?”

Refrain from making threats

For example, do not threaten to sue, take the officer’s badge, or retaliate. This will only make things worse for you.

Ask if you are being detained

You should use that exact language: “Am I being detained?” Police must tell you whether they are detaining you. If the officer tells you that you are not being detained, ask “Am I free to leave, officer?” Do not simply walk away. This could convince police that you have something to hide.

• If the officer says you cannot leave, you are being detained. You should ask for an attorney. You are entitled to an attorney whenever you are being detained by police.
  • If the officer does say you can leave, you should confirm that you will be leaving before doing so. For example, confirm your “intent to depart” by saying something like “If there is nothing else, I will be leaving now.” Then walk slowly away.

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From fist fights to identity theft, shopping on Black Friday brings about several safety risks all holiday shoppers should know about.

Years ago, a Black Friday shopping trip changed the lives of two families forever. For reasons still unknown, two mothers got into an argument which turned deadly. Witnesses reported violence erupted between the two women during a verbal confrontation inside a large toy retailer.

The altercation took a turn for the worse when two men involved in the incident pulled handguns and started chasing the other around the crowded store, scaring other shoppers and workers. Ultimately, the dispute resulted in the deaths of both men from gunfire – two families with their lives torn apart on the busiest shopping day of the year.

The first Black Friday, September 24, 1869, was not even about shopping. It marked a devastating crash of the United States Gold Market. Now, the day after Thanksgiving has turned into a day of frenzied, potentially dangerous, shopping for bargain hunters throughout the world. Finding the perfect gift at a great price can make the season memorable, but risking an injury, or worse, can ruin the holidays. While gun violence is an extreme example of the potential dangers facing Black Friday shoppers, dozens of well-wishing bargain hunters have been hurt by “retail-rage,” frenzied crowds and pepper-spray attacks over the past ten years.

Understanding the most common shopping injuries and knowing the essential Black Friday safety tips can ensure your holiday experience is one filled with joy. If you find yourself in an unfortunate incident, injured while shopping, understanding a retailer’s liability can help you take the next steps towards a healthy recovery. Put safety at the top of your holiday list this year, good health is one of the most valuable gifts you have.

Common Causes of Shopping Injuries & Black Friday Safety Tips To Prevent Them

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Every day, 25,000 people in the U.S. are injured in slip and fall accidents. With the massive influx of people into malls on Black Friday, the risk factor increases. Floors are slippery from rain, snow, ice and mud tracked in by the shoppers.  Shoppers drop things and leave them in the aisle where they land.  Items fall off of shelves.

Safety Tips: Wear sturdy shoes with soles that are not smooth or slick. Try not to rush just to keep up with the crowds. When you are rushed, frustrated or fatigued the chances of tripping and falling increase. Stay alert. Watch where you are going. Look out for debris. Do not let fatigue and frustration interfere with your concentration on your surroundings.

Pepper Spray Injuries

A woman shopping for an Xbox in Walmart used pepper spray aimed at other shoppers apparently to get them out of her way. At least 20 people were injured. They suffered from burning eyes, skin and throat, and had swollen faces. Some had to be transported to a hospital for medical care. The sprayer made it to the check-out stand and left, but she turned herself into police the next day. A fire captain referred to the act as “competitive shopping.”

Safety Tips: If you come into contact with pepper spray, try to stay calm. Do not rub the affected area. As tempting as it will be to rub your eyes, don’t do it! If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them immediately. The spray is oil-based and rubbing will only make the burning sensation worse.  Although splashing your eyes with water will help, water won’t wash the chemical off of your skin. The intense burning sensation will last about 30 minutes.

Crowd Crush Injuries

Some shoppers camp in parking lots waiting for the store’s early morning opening hour. As the time approaches for the doors to open, crowds begin swelling and pushing, all trying to be as close to the open doors as possible. This can have devastating effects.

In a Long Island Walmart in 2008, a store worker was knocked to the floor near the entrance. Witnesses reported shoppers just trampled right over his limp body which lay motionless in the aisle. The crowd actually crushed him to death. A co-worker and witness was also knocked to the ground and thought he himself was going to die. He commented that the dead man was “bum-rushed by 200 people.” A woman who was eight months pregnant was also trampled and hospitalized for observation. Several other people were injured.

Safety Tips: Surviving a rushing crowd takes energy. Pay close attention to where you are and where the exits are. If you feel unsafe, try to find a way to ease yourself out of the crowd. If the crowd is blocking you so you cannot escape, make an effort to stay calm and don’t panic. If the crowd reaches stampede level, find a place where you can hide out instead of joining the rushing crowd. If there is a wall nearby, ease yourself to it and lean against it. Maintain your balance. If you feel yourself falling, reach out to someone who is close to you.

Liability of Stores For Black Friday Injuries

CNN refers to Black Friday as a “shopacalypse.” Store owners spend mega-bucks on advertising Black Friday sales and hire large numbers of temporary workers to make it through the day. They expect massive crowds. So, you ask, what is their liability for injuries suffered on their premises?

Under common law, the liability of property owners depended on whether the injured person was a(n):

• Trespasser: one who is on the property uninvited.
• Licensee: one who is on the property with the permission of the owner.
• Invitee: one who is on the property for the purpose of providing a benefit to the business owner.

When businesses invite people to their property for the purpose of spending money, the business owner owes the highest duty of care to the shopper.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established guidelines for crowd management, particularly for events like Black Friday sales. Their Black Friday safety tips include:

• Hiring extra staff and security designed to compensate for the extra shoppers.
• Providing crowd control.
• Making certain no entrances or exits are blocked.
• Having a separate entrance for employees.
• Anticipating and planning for problems that come from increased pedestrian traffic in the store.

The store may not be able to protect you from being sucker-punched by another irate shopper, but it should have emergency treatment options available if such a thing should happen.

Put Safety at The Top Of Your Shopping List

With advertisements for Black Friday sales already underway, families throughout New York are planning their strategy to get the best deals and undoubtedly will begin lining up hours before the scheduled opening of a store. Those of us familiar with Black Friday know it can get pretty intense. If you plan to join the crowds on the busiest shopping day of the year, our best advice for you comes from the signature line in a 1980s television show, “Hills Street Blues” which proclaimed: “Let’s be careful out there.”

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A Hurricane is a natural disaster that can cause significant property damage and loss of life. Being prepared can help you minimize the impact of the storm. The best time to start preparing is before the threat is imminent. Don’t wait until a hurricane watch is issued because it may already be too late to take certain precautions. Below are a few tips to help you stay prepared throughout the season.

1. Plan your evacuation route well ahead of time

If you live on the coast or in a mobile home, you may have to evacuate in the event of a major storm. While you will no doubt get instructions from the local government, it is wise to create your evacuation plan well before a disaster strikes. This way, you will know ahead of time about the nearest shelters and evacuation routes, etc. and even make a trial run.

2. Keep non-perishable emergency supplies on hand

People tend to run to the stores when a hurricane warning is issued, but they are often too late. It is always wise to stock up on the following items at the beginning of the season.

• Extra batteries
• Candles or lamps with fuel
• Matches (keep these dry)
• Materials and tools for emergency home repairs–such as heavy plastic sheeting, plywood, a hammer, etc.
• Prescription drugs
• A three-day supply of drinking water
• Food that you don’t have to refrigerate or cook
• First aid supplies
• A portable NOAA weather radio
• A wrench and other basic tools
• A flashlight

If you need to evacuate, you can bring some of these supplies with you. As expiration dates approach (for example, food or batteries), use the items and replenish your emergency stash.

3. Take an inventory of your personal property

Creating a home inventory will help ensure that you have purchased enough insurance to replace your personal possessions. It can also speed the claims process, substantiate losses for income tax purposes, and is helpful should you need to apply for disaster aid. In the event you need to evacuate, be sure your home inventory is among the important documents you take with you.

4. Review your insurance policies

A hurricane season insurance checklist can help you to understand your coverage and whether it is adequate to repair or rebuild your home, if necessary, or to replace your belongings. Keep in mind that your homeowners insurance covers the cost of temporary repairs for hurricane damage, as well as reasonable additional living expenses (ALE) over and above your normal living expenses if you have to relocate (such as the extra expense of getting to work or to school if your temporary home is in a different community). However, your homeowner’s policy doesn’t cover flood damage, so you may want to consider looking into flood insurance. If you live by the coast, you may also need a separate policy for protection against wind and wind-blown water damage. If you have questions about what your current policy will cover or need to augment your current coverage, contact your insurance professional.

5. Take steps to protect your home

Hurricane force winds can turn landscaping materials into missiles that can break windows and doors. Much of the property damage associated with hurricanes occurs after the windstorm when rain enters structures through broken windows, doors and openings in the roof. While retrofitting your home to protect against these possibilities is undoubtedly an expense, you can do it in stages.

• Replace gravel or rock landscaping materials with shredded bark, which is lighter and won’t cause as much harm.
• Cut weak branches and trees that could fall on your house and keep shrubbery trimmed.
• Install storm shutters to protect your windows from breakage. Alternately, fit plywood panels to your windows, which can be nailed to window frames when a storm approaches.
• Make sure exterior doors are hurricane proof and have at least three hinges and a dead bolt lock that is at least one-inch long.
• Sliding glass doors should be made of tempered glass and, during a storm, covered with shutters or plywood. These types of doors are more vulnerable to wind damage than most other doors.
• Replace old garage doors and tracks with a door that is approved for both wind pressure and impact protection. Wind coming into your home through an opening this large poses grave problems for the rest of your home—especially your roof.
• Seal outside wall openings such as vents, outdoor electrical outlets, garden hose bibs and locations where cables or pipes go through the wall. Use a high quality urethane-based caulk to prevent water penetration.
• If you live in a mobile home make sure you know how to secure it against high winds and be sure to review your mobile home insurance policy.
• If you have a boat on a trailer, know how to anchor the trailer to the ground or house—and review your boat insurance policy.

6. Take steps to protect your business

A hurricane can take a toll on your business too, so be prepared.

• Create an emergency business response and continuity plan. In the event of a hurricane this will help your business quickly recover.
• Keep contact information for employees, suppliers and vendors current so you can check on their wellbeing and communicate next steps for resuming normal business operations.
• Review your business insurance policies in order to understand what’s covered.

For more information of preparing for a hurricane, or to find help if you or someone you know has been affected you can visit FEMA or the American Red Cross.

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A mass shooting is an incident in which an individual actively engages in shooting or attempting to shoot as many people as possible as quickly as possible.  This often takes place in a confined and populated area; in many cases, there is no pattern or method to the shooter’s selection of victims.

Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Typically, the immediate deployment of law enforcement is required to stop a mass shooting and mitigate harm to victims.

Because most mass shootings are over within 10 to 15 minutes before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.

If you hear shots fired or if you witness an armed person shooting or threatening people:

Immediately choose the best way to protect your life. Very quickly, make your best determination of what is occurring and which of the options below will provide the greatest degree of security for you employing the “RUN, HIDE, or FIGHT” protocol.

RUN: Evacuate If Possible

• If there is considerable distance between you and the gunfire/armed person, quickly move away from the sound of the gunfire/armed person. If you are in a building with the gunfire/armed person, and it is safe to do so, run out of the building and move far away until you are in a secure place to hide.
• Leave your belongings behind.
• Keep your hands visible to law enforcement during a mass shooting incident.
• Take others with you, but do not stay behind because others will not go.
• Call 911 when it is safe to do so. Do not assume that someone else has reported the incident. The information that you are able to provide law enforcement may be critical, e.g. number of shooters, physical description and identification, number and type(s) of weapons, and location of the shooter.

HIDE: Hide silently in as safe a place as possible

• If you are caught in a mass shooting and cannot evacuate safely, hide in an area out of the armed person’s view.
• Choose a hiding place with thicker walls and fewer windows, if possible.
• Lock doors and barricade with furniture, if possible.
• Turn off lights
• Silence phones and turn off other electronics.
• Close windows, shades and blinds, and avoid being seen from outside the room, if possible.
• If you are outdoors and cannot RUN safely, find a place to hide that will provide protection from gunfire such as a brick wall, large trees or buildings.
• Remain in place until you are confident that the incident is over.

FIGHT: Take action to disrupt or incapacitate the shooter

• As a last resort, fight. If you cannot evacuate or hide safely, and your life is in imminent danger, take action.
• Attempt to incapacitate or disrupt the actions of the shooter.
• Act with physical aggression toward the shooter.
• Use items in your area such as fire extinguishers or chairs.
• Throw items at the shooter if possible.
• Call 911 when it is safe to do so.

Immediately after a mass shooting incident:

• Wait for Local Law Enforcement officers to assist you out of the building, if inside.
• When law enforcement arrives, you must display your empty hands with open palms.

If you found this article useful, please check out our blog for more information like this.  You may also visit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website for more information on active shooter preparedness.

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Summertime heat is not often looked at as a major threat; it just does not cause the destruction like tornadoes, floods, or hurricanes. But in reality, excessive heat is deadly, killing more than a hundred Americans per year. That is more than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes and flooding.

What is the Heat Index?

• The Heat Index provides a way to estimate how warm the air feels to exposed skin. It includes the effects of both temperature and moisture.
• The amount of moisture is important because evaporation of water from your skin and the resulting cooling of your body is less on humid days than on dry ones.
• Meteorologists use the dew point to measure how much water vapor is present in the atmosphere. For example, when the dew point is 70 degrees the atmosphere has more than twice as much water vapor than when the dew point is 50 degrees.
• The Index was designed for shaded areas. When you are in full sunshine, exposed skin can feel up to 15 degrees warmer than the current Heat Index value.

What are some of the deadliest and most well-known heat waves in the U.S.?

• A June-September 1980 heat wave in the central and eastern U.S. killed an estimated 1,750 people, including 1,250 in the city of St. Louis alone.
• A July 1995 Midwest heat wave killed nearly 600 people over a five-day period in Illinois, mainly in Chicago. Temperatures there reached 106 degrees on July 13 and did not fall below 80 degrees for two consecutive nights.
• A late-July, 2006 heat wave hit most of the U.S., killing at least 225 people.

What alerts does the National Weather Service issue during heat waves?

• An EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH is issued when the Heat Index will equal or exceed 105 degrees for 3 hours or more during the day, and remain at or above 80 degrees at night for two consecutive days.
• A HEAT ADVISORY is issued about 12 hours in advance when the Index will equal or exceed 105 degrees, but less than 115 degrees, for less than 3 hours during the day, and remain at or above 80 degrees at night for two consecutive days.
• An EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING is issued about 12 hours in advance when the Index will equal or exceed 105 degrees for more than 3 hours or equal or exceed 115 degrees for any period during two consecutive days.

What special alerts does the National Weather Service issue for urban areas?

A new system, Heat/Health Watch/Warning, is in place for certain urban areas. So far, Dallas/Fort Worth; Phoenix; Yuma, Ariz.; Philadelphia; Chicago; St. Louis; Cincinnati/Dayton; New Orleans; Little Rock, Ark.; Memphis, Tenn.; Shreveport, La., Lake Charles, La.; Jackson, Miss.; Seattle, and Portland all use this system. It is designed with custom rules based on the city`s climatology. Check with your local NWS office for local alert rules.

For instance, Seattle’s system issues a Heat and Health Watch if daytime highs are expected to reach the 90s.

What are the signs of heat emergencies and how should they be treated?

Signs:

• Heat cramps: 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. Cramps occur when the heat index is above 90 degrees.
• Heat exhaustion: Cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal. This occurs when index values are above 90 degrees and is likely to occur when the value is more than 105 degrees.
• Heat stroke: Hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be as high as 105 degrees F. If the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry. Heat stroke occurs when index values are above 105 degrees.

Treatment:

• Heat cramps: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.
• Heat exhaustion: Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position, and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition.
• Heat stroke: This 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.

What precautions should you take during hot weather?

• Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day, usually early-morning or in the evening. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
• Dress for summer. Lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
• Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.
• Drink plenty of water or other nonalcoholic fluids and do not drink alcoholic beverages. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. Persons who (1) have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, (2) are on fluid restrictive diets, or (3) have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids.
• Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician. Persons on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.
• Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air conditioned place like a movie theater, mall or senior citizen center.
• Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult.

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The Fourth of July is an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with family, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate the independence of our great nation with a neighborhood fireworks display. With the Fourth of July just around the corner, now is an excellent time to review some safety tips. This article will help you ensure that your Independence Day celebration is memorable for all the right reasons. Let’s dive in.

Fireworks Safety Tips

According to an article by the New York Times, in the month around the Fourth of July, an average of 230 people per day end up in emergency rooms across the U.S. with fireworks-related injuries. The good news is, there are precautions you can take to protect yourself and your family members from fireworks-related injuries. Here are some suggestions.

1. Do not disassemble pre-assembled fireworks, attempt to make your own fireworks, or combine fireworks products.
2. Make sure your fireworks are stored correctly and according to the packaged instructions.
3. Only light fireworks on flat ground, away from flammable materials, and only in a dry and fire-resistant area.
4. Do not light multiple fireworks at the same time.
5. Do not point fireworks at yourself or others while you light them.
6. Ensure the person lighting the fireworks is equipped with safety glasses and is sober. Keep all spectators at a safe distance from fireworks that are being lit.
7. Do not allow young children to handle or light fireworks. Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities.
8. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, along with a hose or bucket in case of a fire or malfunction.
9. If a firework malfunctions, do not relight it. Instead, soak it in water and dispose of it.

Grilling Safety Tips

Grilling and the Fourth of July go hand-in-hand. That being said, the most common insurance claim on the Fourth of July is from cooking fires. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more fires are reported on July 4th than any other day of the year. Here are some tips to keep your home and family members safe while grilling out this holiday.

1. Keep a three-foot safe zone around your grill. This means keeping your grill at least three feet away from your deck, home, landscaping, or outdoor equipment that could catch fire quickly.
2. If you have a gas grill, check the grill hose for cracks, holes, and leaks before using it.
3. Never grill indoors, in the garage, or in an enclosed area.
4. Keep children and pets away from your grill.
5. Avoid loose clothing that can catch fire while cooking.
6. Open your gas grill before you light it.
7. Remove grease and fat build-up on a regular basis so it cannot be ignited.
8. Be sure to check out the National Fire Protection Association for additional fire safety tips.

Pool Safety Tips

Water sports are a very popular pastime on the Fourth of July; however, water sports have been linked to numerous deaths and injuries each year. The below tips will help you stay safe and keep your loved ones safe while enjoying water activities.

1. Monitor young children closely. Never assume someone else is watching the children.
2. Do not allow children to enter the water without proper flotation devices.
3. Set water safety rules for your family.
4. Keep a first aid kit near your pool deck.
5. Never swim alone.
6. Swim sober. Research has shown that alcohol consumption increases the risk of accidental drowning.
7. Apply sunscreen frequently to avoid painful sunburn, sunstroke, or heatstroke.
8. Remember to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Additional Safety Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you experience a safe, fun, and memorable Fourth of July.

1. Don’t skip out on applying insect repellent.
2. Check you and your family members’ prescriptions to make sure you will not experience a sun-sensitizing drug reaction.
3. Cover your food and beverages while outdoors to prevent bees and wasps from accidentally being swallowed.
4. Use alcohol responsibly. Check out MADD for some amazing drunk driving prevention tips.
5. Report any illegal explosives to your local police department.
6. Use good judgement when boating and always look up water and weather conditions before leaving the house.

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It happens every year. The weather gets warmer, more people use outdoor grills – and incidents of grill-caused fires go up. Each year, outdoor grilling causes an average of 8,900 home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Gas grills cause more home fires than charcoal grills, the association adds. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, 64% of households own a gas grill, 44% own a charcoal grill and 9% own an electric grill.

Regardless of the type of grill you own, here are 9 BBQ safety tips that will keep you and your home safe for barbecuing season:

1. Grill outside and away from any structures

Charcoal and gas grills are designed for outdoor use only. However, NFPA reports that more than one-quarter (27%) of home fires started by outdoor grills began in a courtyard, terrace or patio, and 29% started on an exterior balcony or open porch. Pay attention to overhanging tree branches when you set up your grill.

2. Make sure your grill is stable

Only set up your grill on a flat surface and make sure the grill can’t be tipped over. Consider using a grill pad or splatter mat underneath your grill to protect your deck or patio.

3. Keep your grill clean

Remove grease or fat buildup from both the grill and the tray below the grill. If you are using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to completely cool off before disposing of them in a metal container.

4. Check for propane leaks on your gas grill

Before the season’s first barbecue, check the gas tank hose for leaks by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose and then turning on the gas. If there is a propane leak, the solution will bubble. Other signs of a propane leak include the smell of gas near the barbecue or a flame that won’t light.

5. If the flame goes out, wait to re-light

If you are using a gas grill and the flame goes out, turn the grill and the gas off, then wait at least five minutes to re-light it.

6. Take care around the grill

Never leave a lit grill unattended. Don’t allow kids or pets to play near the grill. Never try to move a lit or hot grill, and remember the grill will stay hot for at least an hour after use.  You should also remember to turn of the gas if you are using a gas grill, and avoid smoking around it.

7. Be careful with charcoal starter fluid

If you use a charcoal grill, only use charcoal starter fluid. If the fire starts to go out, don’t add any starter fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. Consider using a charcoal chimney starter, which uses newspaper to start the fire instead of starter fluid.

8. Wear the right clothing

Clothing can easily catch fire, so be sure your shirt tails, sleeves or apron strings don’t dangle over the grill.

9. Be ready to put out the fire

Have baking soda on hand to control a grease fire and a fire extinguisher nearby for other fires. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, keep a bucket of sand next to the grill. Never use water to put out grease fire.  Be sure to read all fire safety instructions than come with your charcoal or gas grill.

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Your Memorial Day cookout is the unofficial start of the summer season. Make the most of this warm-weather celebration with the following Memorial Day safety tips.

1. Pool Safety

Hopefully this Memorial Day will be warm enough to take a dip in your swimming pool or local lake. You should always supervise weaker swimmers around water. Try appointing someone as lifeguard, rather than assuming one of your partygoers is keeping an eye on swimmers. Make sure younger children are within arm’s reach in the pool, and never drink alcohol while swimming or supervising swimmers.

Keep a watchful eye on drink coolers. As the ice melts, these items can become a drowning hazard for curious toddlers who look in the cooler and are unable to get themselves out.

2. Stay Safe Under the Sun

There’s no better feeling than soaking in the new summer sun on Memorial Day — but don’t forget sunscreen.

Skin can become severely burned after just a few hours in the sun, which can increase your risk of skin cancer in the long run. Also, consider providing shade, like umbrellas or covered picnic areas, to reduce sun exposure for yourself and your guests. A hat and sunglasses can offer extra coverage. Don’t forget to reapply the sunscreen after two hours of sun exposure.

3. Make Sure to Cook and Grill Safely

Hot dogs, hamburgers, and corn on the cob: These summertime staples are traditionally cooked up on a grill outside.

But before you break out the grill, make sure it has been thoroughly cleaned. Dirty grills cause many injuries, particularly propane grills. Keep items that you don’t want grilled away from the flame, and don’t wear loose clothing while you grill.

After your barbecue is over, make sure coals are completely out, and the propane is turned off.

4. Drink Responsibly on Memorial Day

Alcohol might be a part of your Memorial Day celebration. If so, decide in advance how much alcohol you are going to be drinking, and stick to your plan.

The National Institutes of Health advises men from age 21 to 65 to have no more than four drinks in a day. Women should have no more than three, according to the institutes.

If you are driving to your Memorial Day party, do not drink and drive. Elect a designated driver or find alternate transportation home.

Drinking alcohol dehydrates the body, which can be worsened by an afternoon in the sun. Consume plenty of water in addition to your beverage of choice and don’t drink on an empty stomach.  You can visit MADD for more tips on preventing drunk driving.

5. Use Caution with Fireworks

Nothing wraps up a great Memorial Day party better than a blazing fireworks display. Some towns and cities allow for select smaller fireworks to be enjoyed at home. If that’s the case, follow your local laws about what kind of fireworks are permitted.

Fireworks should be lit outside in an area without flammable branches or grass. Have a water hose or bucket of water handy to extinguish spent fireworks.

After you light a firework, get away to a safe distance. Don’t try to hold a firework in your hand after it’s lit, and do not light it into a container of any kind. Only responsible adults should light fireworks. Always ensure they are safely disposed of after the fun is over.

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Prom season is undoubtedly among the busiest times of the school year. Many school administrators, in the rush to organize the event and wrap up spring semester, may overlook key steps that can keep students safe during the event. Here are five ways to improve your school’s prom safety:

1. Build Student Awareness

Provide students with practical, easy-to-follow tips for how to make prom night safe and enjoyable. This includes reminding them to discuss their itinerary in advance with their date and other friends to ensure everyone knows the plan. They should also give their parents or guardians details about their plans and contact information for their date and friends and commit to keeping their cell phones on and checking in with their parents every few hours. Encourage them to attend prom in groups and stay with that group until the night is over. These tips can be provided to students through school announcements, assemblies and emails.

2. Keep Parents Informed and Involved

Give parents up-to-date information about the school’s prom night schedule and encourage them to ask questions and discuss prom night plans with their children. Parents should get a cell phone number and other contact information for their children’s prom date and other accompanying friends and their parents. They should be encouraged to supervise (or at least be home) for any pre- or post-prom parties in their home, according to a safety guide published by a state police agency. Schools can distribute such information to parents through emails, newsletters, and social media.

3. Make Safety a Top Priority

Most schools have a prom-planning committee. This committee should be tasked with making safety a top priority. They should consider all the possible emergency situations or “what ifs” that could happen before, during and after prom and make action plans for how they will deal with such issue if it arises. Many schools also host after-parties at places like bowling alleys or at the school itself to offer students a fun, safe, and alcohol-free way to spend time with friends after the main event. Getting parents and students to serve on the planning committee can help ensure prom safety is addressed from all perspectives and can help get the word out.

4. Enforce a Strict No-Alcohol and Drugs Policy

Alcohol and drug use pose major safety hazards for students at prom, both at the event itself and before and after. Having a formal strict policy that bans drugs and alcohol – and imposes disciplinary measures on students found to abuse it – can protect the school from potential liability and reduce the chance that illegal substances will show up at the school. This policy should be clearly communicated to students in the days leading up to prom. For tips on preventing drunk driving you should reference MADD which has tons of valuable information.

5. Start Planning Early

Given the last-minute rush that inevitably happens before prom, schools should start the planning process early, so they have time to adequately address safety concerns.

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