MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
Summertime includes outdoor activities that are designed to be fun and festive. The men and women of your Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department do not want to meet you by accident.
The combined career, civilian and volunteer personnel want you to enjoy a safe summer and remind everyone to keep "Safety First" to ensure everyone goes home and offer you a few safety tips to keep in mind.
Stay Healthy
Throughout the course of the summer there will be periods of unhealthy high temperatures and humidity. Drink plenty of water throughout the course of each day, wear light colored clothing and take frequents breaks in an air conditioned environment. If someone becomes is sweating profusely with a pale skin color and is ill with any or all of the following symptoms; cramps, light headiness, dizziness, shortness of breath and nausea; remove them to a shady or air conditioned area, provide them with water and cool wet compresses to help reduce their body temperature. These symptoms could indicate that the person is possibly suffering from heat exhaustion. If their condition does not improve within a matter of a couple minutes; call 911.
If a person is experiencing similar symptoms and goes unconscious, does not display signs of sweating and skin color is red; call 911 immediately as this person may be experiencing heat stroke; a life threatening condition. Relocate this person to a shady or air conditioned area, provide cold compresses and loosen clothing in order to reduce this person's body temperature. Do not provide any fluids to an unconscious person.
Grill Safety
It is anticipated that many backyard barbeque's will be in use over the course of the summer. We ask that you exercise caution and keep safety in mind when setting up, using and cleaning up your BBQ grill. Did you know that cooking, most notably "unattended cooking" is the number one cause of fires and fire related injuries in Prince George's County, this includes both inside and outside cooking: WATCH WHAT YOU HEAT!!!
• NEVER use a grill indoors including garages, overhangs and canopies
• By Law - Grills must be at least 30 feet away from any multi-family apartment dwelling.
• When using a grill at your single family home – homeowners should use a 10-foot perimeter from anything combustible – including your house!!!
• In Prince George’s County - all grills are illegal to use on balconies of apartments and condominium apartments
• Do not allow children and pets to play near a grill
• Only use approved ignition fluids – NEVER use gasoline to ignite a grill
• Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose or bucket of sand nearby to douse a grill fire
• Inspect your grill before you ignite to ensure everything is in working order. This inspection includes all connections on your gas grills are tight and not leaking.
Swim Safely
Thousands of residents will be swimming this summer and keeping safety first will help to prevent such a fun occasion from becoming a tragedy.
For parents:
• Always watch your children and never leave them unattended. Constant adult supervision is the most effective method to prevent drowning.
• Do not rely on flotation devices to protect your children from drowning. You must supervise at all times.
• Have a phone nearby.
• Have children swim in pairs - the "buddy system"
• If a child is missing - check the pool first.
• Teach your child how to swim. Visit www.pgparks.com/aquatics.htm for additional information.
• Learn CPR. Visit http://www.redcrossnca.org/ for additional information.
For pool owners and managers:
• Install a fence around the perimeter of the pool.
• Use self closing latches and gates.
• Install a door alarm from the house to the pool area.
• Have life saving equipment nearby such as life rings or reaching poles.
Remember that if everyone keeps "Safety First" then everyone will return home. Enjoy your summer safely!!!
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