The only difference between adventure and disaster is preparedness.

Monday, June 30, 2014

Fireworks Safety Reminder


From the National Safety Council:

Summer means picnics, barbecues, parades and fireworks displays, especially around the 4th of July. Summer also means an increase in injuries from backyard grills, bonfires and fireworks. In 2006, an estimated 9,200 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries, 36 percent of whom were under 15 years old.

Children between the ages of 10 and 14 were at three times the risk of fireworks injuries than the general population. About a third of the injuries were from small firecrackers, 21 percent from bottle rockets and 20 percent from sparklers. In 2004, fireworks caused $21 million in direct property damage.

The National Safety Council advises that the best way to safely enjoy this 4th of July is to watch a public fireworks display conducted by professionals.

However, if fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to use them, be sure to follow these important safety tips:
Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision.
Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from onlookers, houses and flammable materials.
Light one device at a time; maintain a safe distance after lighting.
Do not allow any running or horseplay while fireworks are being used.
Never ignite devices in a container.
Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks; douse and soak them with water and discard them safely.
Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

FREE Emergency Preparedness Seminars

Are YOU ready for disaster? The Washington State University Leadership Academy would like to invite community members to attend one of two Emergency Preparedness seminars.

They will be hosting two 90 minute seminars on how to prepare a 72 Hour Emergency kit. The Dates of the seminars are: Monday June 30th at 5:30 pm and Tuesday July 1st at 7:00 pm.


Meetings will be located in the General Meeting Room, Third Floor, County Administration Building, 207 Fourth Avenue North, Kelso, Washington.

Everyone is welcome. For questions and to RSVP please contact cowlitzemergencyprep@gmail.com.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Campfire Safety

Suns out!  Time for some outdoor fun.  Here are some campfire safety tips from FEMA and our old friend Smokey Bear:

 

Campfire Safety


As the weather gets warmer, Americans are heading out on camping adventures with their family and friends. Although camping adventures can be fun, safety must be at the forefront to ensure a good time for all. Let’s get the facts now and prepare before venturing off into the great wilderness. As Smokey Bear has always said, “Only you can prevent wildfires!”

Always practice fire prevention when starting a campfire or grill in a woodland area:

·       Never build a campfire under trees or overhanging branches;

·       Clear a 10-foot area of pine needles & grass; and

·       Keep plenty of water on hand and have a shovel ready.

Once you've got your fire ablaze, do you know the suggested manageable size for a campfire and how to properly extinguish it? Check here to find out as well as read other safety tips. 
If a wildfire starts in your camping area, evacuate immediately and call 9-1-1. To learn more about preparing for a wildfire disaster, download America’s PrepareAthon! How to Prepare for a Wildfire guide today!