Emergency Managers Urge Caution
SEATTLE – As skies clear and weather turns warmer, Pacific Northwest residents are hoping for glorious weather this Fourth of July. But however the weather turns out, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) warn that careless handling of fireworks and outdoor grills can ruin parties and picnics – and entire summers. In 2010, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,600 people for fireworks-related injuries, and according to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, 73 percent of fireworks injuries occurred between 18 June and 18 July.
“When celebrating the Fourth of July, Americans need to remember to use fireworks, fires and barbecues with care. The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public displays held by trained professionals,” said Murphy. “Summer holidays should be fun and generate good memories, not pain and remorse. Have fun, but be safe.”
FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS:
If fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:
• Observe local laws.
• Keep a bucket of water handy in case of a malfunction or fire.
• Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. Never shoot a firework at or near another person.
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
• Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
• Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
• Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
• Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.
GRILLING FIRE SAFETY TIPS
• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose a fire hazard and a risk of exposing occupants to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic. Grills should be positioned at least 10 feet away from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep, matches, lighters, and starter fluid out of the reach of children in a locked drawer or cabinet.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three-foot "kid-free zone" around the grill.
• Use long barbeque mitts and long-handled grilling tools to protect the chef from heat and flames when cooking.
• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
USFA, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, serves the American public and the nation’s fire services through training, data collection and analysis, public fire education, and fire protection technology research. For more information, visit: http://www.usfa.fema.gov.
For wildfire preparedness tips, sample preparedness plans and emergency checklists, visit http://firewise.org/ or www.fema.gov.
Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. Social media links are provided for reference only. FEMA does not endorse non-government websites, companies or applications.
Showing posts with label Fourth of July. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fourth of July. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Fourth of July driving
Cracking down on impaired drivers is the main focus of Oregon law enforcement agencies during the Fourth of July holiday period, the deadliest major holiday of the year. The 78-hour intensified enforcement efforts start 6:00 p.m., Friday, July 2nd, and conclude 11:59 p.m., Monday, July 5th, as city, county and state police officers work to stop drivers before they become involved in an event not worth celebrating during an aggressive "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest" blitz.
"We all have our work cut out for us," said Oregon State Police (OSP) Superintendent Timothy McLain. "No matter your age, driving under the influence isn't worth the risk to yourself or others. Plan now and make sure everyone has a safe and sober ride wherever they may be going,"
According to ODOT's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), nearly 300 people have died on Oregon's roads during the Fourth of July holiday period since 1970. Half of these traffic fatalities were in alcohol-involved crashes. Two people died last year during the 54-hour holiday period, and 6 people died two years ago. FARS statistics provide a sobering reminder how deadly this major holiday can be when thirty years ago (1980) nineteen people were killed.
ODOT Director Matthew Garrett cited recent national statistics to underscore the importance of the enforcement crackdown. In 2008 during the 78-hour July 4th holiday period there were a total of 491 traffic-related fatalities. Out of that number, 43 percent involved a driver or motorcycle ride with a BAC of .08 or higher.
"You don't have to be ‘falling down drunk' to be a threat to yourself and others on our roads," said Garrett. "The safest approach is to remember if you have had anything to drink, don't drive."
OSP troopers are joining officers around the country participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), providing patrol presence and enforcement on Oregon roads focusing on violations that are factors in traffic crashes. Last year, OSP troopers arrested 76 DUII drivers during the 54-hour period, issued over 1,000 speed-related citations and helped nearly 500 disabled motorists.
Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Transportation offer the following safety reminders for holiday travel:
* Get plenty of rest before starting out. Fatigued drivers are more frequent during holiday weekends because of increased travel and activity. Allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
* Be aware that ODOT is in the midst of the busiest highway construction season ever. Stay up to date on road conditions by visiting TripCheck.com or calling 5-1-1.
* Even when workers are not present, all work zone speed limits still apply and fines double. Inactive work zones still have equipment, detours, and incomplete changes in the roadway so drivers need to slow down and be alert.
* Always use safety restraints and child safety seats correctly.
* Don't drink and drive.
* MOVE OVER if you are approaching any type of emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside assistance vehicle which is stopped on the roadside with emergency lights activated.
Everyone plays an important part in keeping our highways and city streets safe. Immediately report aggressive, dangerous, and intoxicated drivers to the Oregon State Police at 1-800-24DRUNK (1-800-243-7865) or call 9-1-1.
"We all have our work cut out for us," said Oregon State Police (OSP) Superintendent Timothy McLain. "No matter your age, driving under the influence isn't worth the risk to yourself or others. Plan now and make sure everyone has a safe and sober ride wherever they may be going,"
According to ODOT's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), nearly 300 people have died on Oregon's roads during the Fourth of July holiday period since 1970. Half of these traffic fatalities were in alcohol-involved crashes. Two people died last year during the 54-hour holiday period, and 6 people died two years ago. FARS statistics provide a sobering reminder how deadly this major holiday can be when thirty years ago (1980) nineteen people were killed.
ODOT Director Matthew Garrett cited recent national statistics to underscore the importance of the enforcement crackdown. In 2008 during the 78-hour July 4th holiday period there were a total of 491 traffic-related fatalities. Out of that number, 43 percent involved a driver or motorcycle ride with a BAC of .08 or higher.
"You don't have to be ‘falling down drunk' to be a threat to yourself and others on our roads," said Garrett. "The safest approach is to remember if you have had anything to drink, don't drive."
OSP troopers are joining officers around the country participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), providing patrol presence and enforcement on Oregon roads focusing on violations that are factors in traffic crashes. Last year, OSP troopers arrested 76 DUII drivers during the 54-hour period, issued over 1,000 speed-related citations and helped nearly 500 disabled motorists.
Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Transportation offer the following safety reminders for holiday travel:
* Get plenty of rest before starting out. Fatigued drivers are more frequent during holiday weekends because of increased travel and activity. Allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
* Be aware that ODOT is in the midst of the busiest highway construction season ever. Stay up to date on road conditions by visiting TripCheck.com or calling 5-1-1.
* Even when workers are not present, all work zone speed limits still apply and fines double. Inactive work zones still have equipment, detours, and incomplete changes in the roadway so drivers need to slow down and be alert.
* Always use safety restraints and child safety seats correctly.
* Don't drink and drive.
* MOVE OVER if you are approaching any type of emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside assistance vehicle which is stopped on the roadside with emergency lights activated.
Everyone plays an important part in keeping our highways and city streets safe. Immediately report aggressive, dangerous, and intoxicated drivers to the Oregon State Police at 1-800-24DRUNK (1-800-243-7865) or call 9-1-1.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Fireworks Can Foil Family Fun
July 4
Mon, 28 Jun 2010 07:34:33 -0500
SEATTLE, Wash. -- Weather forecasts are mixed in the Pacific Northwest for this year’s Fourth of July observances, but however the weather turns out, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) warn that careless handling of fireworks and outdoor grills can ruin parties and picnics – and entire summers. More than 30,000 fires are attributed to fireworks every year, and according to Dennis Hunsinger, FEMA Acting Regional Administrator for Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington Murphy, more than half of those occur the first week in July.
Mon, 28 Jun 2010 07:34:33 -0500
SEATTLE, Wash. -- Weather forecasts are mixed in the Pacific Northwest for this year’s Fourth of July observances, but however the weather turns out, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) warn that careless handling of fireworks and outdoor grills can ruin parties and picnics – and entire summers. More than 30,000 fires are attributed to fireworks every year, and according to Dennis Hunsinger, FEMA Acting Regional Administrator for Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington Murphy, more than half of those occur the first week in July.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
National Lightning Safety Awareness Week
Observed the last full week of June, National Lightning Safety Awareness Week not only helps get safety messages out in time for the Fourth of July, but also signals summer as lightning season. Outside is the most dangerous place to be during a lightning or thunderstorm and more people are outside during the summer. According to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Acting Regional Administrator Dennis Hunsinger, lightning strikes and high winds associated with thunderstorms also increase the risk of wildfires.
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