July 2, 2001 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2001-42) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org SUMMER SAFETY TIPS WATER SAFETY  Never leave a child unsupervised or out of eye contact in or near a pool, spa, bathtub or any other body of water. A child can drown in the time it takes to answer a telephone.  Do not trust small children to watch other small children. Hire a baby sitter who swims and understands water safety, as well as, knows CPR and first aid.  There should be a clear view of the pool from the house so you can see unexpected occupants at a glance.  Swimmers with long hair should wear bathing caps or otherwise tie their hair up to prevent it from being entangled in drain covers.  Clearly mark the deep and shallow areas of the pool.  Have a telephone pool side for emergencies.  Keep first aid equipment by the pool and learn CPR.  Don‚Äôt rely solely on plastic inner tubes, inflatable armbands or other swimming aids or toys to prevent accidents. reaching or throwing aids should be kept on both sides of the pool. Don‚Äôt use them as playthings.  Never swim alone, when tired or chilled, or on a full stomach.  Always dive feet first. Especially in unknown waters. BACKYARD BAR-B-QUE TIPS  Fueled operated grills should be checked for loose connections, cracked, frayed, and damaged fuel lines.  Grills should be kept clear of buildings and roof overhangs.  Keep children and pets clear of grills  Keep water or fire extinguishers nearby for quick extinguishment if it becomes necessary.  Use only approved lighter fluids for starting charcoal grills; do not continue spraying fluid on after fire starts.  Ensure coals are completely out before retiring for the evening. HEAT RELATED PRECAUTIONS Based on an outside temperature of 90 degrees. * Normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees * Heat stroke begins at 106 degrees. * 110 degrees inside car temperature in 2 minutes. * 134 degrees normal egg-frying temperature. * 160 degrees inside car temperature after 5 minutes. TIPS:  Don‚Äôt leave children or pets in vehicles.  Stay out of heat, especially during the hottest part of the day.  Restrict outside athletic activities such as jogging or tennis until temperatures decrease.  Stay in the coolest places available, which is not always inside if there is no cool, circulating air.  When indoors, use the air conditioner or fans.  Draw shades or blinds to reduce heat.  Drink plenty of fluids such as water, iced tea, or fruit juices. Avoid alcoholic beverages.  Eat light; avoid hot foods and heavy meals.  Wear light-colored, light-weight clothing.  Develop a ‚Äúbuddy system‚Äù to check on your neighbors especially if they are elderly or live alone. ADDITIONAL TIPS: * Don't plan to leave a child in the car even if you are only running into the store for a minute. If you're going somewhere you can't take the child inside with you, then leave the child with a sitter. * Take the child out of the car before doing anything else. Packages and/or grocery bags can wait until the child is out. * Get into the habit of leaving the drivers side door open until everything and everyone is out of car. * Always take keys out of car when you get out of the car and keep a spare set with you. Leaving the windows open will not help much. Leaving a child in a running car is just as dangerous. The child could knock it out gear or someone could break in, stealing the car and taking the child. HEAT EXHAUSTION: Blood vessels expand to radiate heat away from the body, sweating is profuse, and the child looks tired and red- faced. Dehydration begins, decreasing blood volume. First Aid consists of cooling and giving cool drinks. HEAT STROKE: Blood vessels expand further. The heart beats faster to move a decreased volume of blood through the expanded vessels. The heart muscle becomes exhausted and can't pump enough blood to send oxygen to the brain. It can lead to brain damage or death. Call 911 Immediately FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS Mobile Fire-Rescue Department reminds those living in the City of Mobile and It‚Äôs Public Safety Jurisdiction that fireworks are illegal. However it is legal to sell, buy, use fireworks in some unincorporated areas of the County. Fireworks have been responsible for over 13,000 injuries throughout the United States. Most of the reported injuries were caused by serious misuse of the products. Children ages 5-14 are the ones most frequently involved in these fireworks related injuries, pointing out the need for closer responsible adult supervision of all fireworks activities. In fact it is not recommended that children be allowed to use the fireworks but rather simply be spectators. Even sparklers can be dangerous for children as they can reach temperatures of up to 1800 degrees. Legal fireworks businesses are open to local, State and federal inspectors. Items should be clearly marked Class-C common fireworks, list the maker and come with instructions for safe use. The Mobile Fire-Rescue Department offers these tips for those living in areas where fireworks are legal to help celebrate safely  Purchase from a reliable fireworks dealer.  Always read and follow label directions and instructions. If no instructions don't use.  Always wear eye protection. Both the person lighting and the person watching the fireworks.  Responsible adults should be present to fire the fireworks.  Children and fireworks is a volatile mix. Never give them fireworks instead adults should use and supervise.  Have water handy.  Never attempt to re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks; instead place them in a bucket of water.  Dispose of fireworks properly.  Ignite outdoors only.  Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks.  Never throw or point fireworks at another person or structures.  Light one at a time.  Never carry fireworks in pockets.  Never shoot them from metal or glass containers.  Store in cool, dry place.  Be a responsible pet owner, keeping in mind that pets hearing is much more sensitive than humans. ###