July 2009

• Grilling Safety
• Hot Weather Precautions
• West Nile Virus
• Lightning Safety
• Rip Currents
• Additional Preparedness Resources

Planning on firing up the grill this summer? From appetizers to desserts, food cooked on a grill just seems to taste better.

But before you 'fire it up', take some time to review the manufacturer's recommended safety procedures to ensure a safe experience. Here's why (1):

• Between 2003-2006, there were an average of 7,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbeques.
• In 2007 alone, there were 18,600 visits to the emergency room because of injuries involving grills.
• June and July are peak months for grill fires.

Safe Grilling Tips:

• Never use a grill indoors or near open windows or doors - this could result in carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Maintain your grill to ensure it is clean and in good working order - check for leaks if you use gas or propane grills.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to properly use it.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill.
• Never leave the grill unattended.

Safe Grilling Resources:

• Fire Safety at Home (PIY)
• Using a fire Extinguisher (Video)
• Grilling Safety (Home Safety Council)
• Grilling Safety Tips (NFPA) (PDF)
• Grill Fact Sheet (NFPA) (PDF)
• Carbon Monoxide Safety

Health

Exposure to excessive heat can cause illness, injury and even death. Approximately 688 people die each year from exposure to extreme heat (CDC). The elderly, young children and people with chronic health problems are most at risk. 

Be alert to the symptoms of heat related illnesses to make this a safer summer for you and your loved ones.

The symptoms of heat exhaustion:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or fainting

The symptoms of heatstroke:

• High body temperature (>103ºF)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Red, hot and dry skin
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion

Prevention:

Heat-related illnesses are preventable. During extreme heat:

• Frequently check on those who are at risk and may be affected by the heat.
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine.
• Avoid strenuous activity.
• Dress in light weight clothing.
• Stay indoors and use air-conditioning when possible.

Children in Vehicles

Never leave children in a car when it is warm outside. A quick errand, such as picking up a gallon of milk, can create a potentially fatal situation.

In warm weather cars heat up quickly - even on moderate days. Some facts from the Pediatrics Journal:

• The majority of the rise in temperature in a vehicle occurs within the first 30 minutes.
• After 60 minutes, there could be about a 40ºF increase in temperature (when outside temperatures are between 72 to 96ºF).
• Slightly opening the windows to vent the air does not significantly decrease the temperature inside the vehicle.

Remember - The temperature inside a vehicle can reach 117ºF in as little as 15-30 minutes when the outside temperature is 72ºF.

Be safe - take your children with you.

Pet Safety

Summer is a great time to be outdoors with our pets. Going on a walk and even camping with pets can be fun. Remember though - hot weather can cause problems for pets.

On hot days, never lock your pet in a car - they can suffer heat stroke. Also, learn the warning signs of an overheated pet:

• Excessive panting
• Increased heart and respiratory rate
• Drooling
• Mild weakness
• Stupor or collapse

Many pets suffer in the summer, but if you take note of sensible safety tips, you and your pet will be properly prepared for a great summer!

Hot Weather Resources

• Emergency Resource Guide (see page 42)
• Heat Safe (DOH)
• Heat Stress in the Elderly (CDC)
• Hot Weather Tips for Pets (ASPCA)

Signs and Symptoms of West Nile Virus:

Mild Infection:

• Skin rash
• Headache
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Backache
• Muscle aches
• Lack of appetite
• Swollen lymph glands

Serious Infection:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Disorientation or confusion
• Stupor or coma
• Tremors or muscle jerking
• Lack of coordination
• Convulsions
• Sudden weakness or partial paralysis

Preventing West Nile Virus

Prevention is the key to minimizing the risk of exposure to the virus. Everyone should take action to minimize the risk (3):

• Reduce mosquito larvae habitat around the home by draining standing water.
• Change the water in birdbaths, fountains, wading pools and other sources at least once a week.
• Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active (dusk to dawn).
• Cover exposed skin with light colored clothing when outside in the evening.
• Use an effective mosquito repellent on exposed skin and always follow the directions on the label.

West Nile Virus Resources

• Emergency Resource Guide (see page 43)
• West Nile Virus in WA (DOH)
• Fight the Bite Flyer (DOH) (PDF)
• Insect Repellent Recommendations (CDC)
• Read the Label: Protect Your Pet (EPA)

Lightning - we don't think about it much but it could be a killer. On average, more deaths occur each year from lightning than from tornadoes or from hurricanes. Here are some important facts from NOAA:    

• To date, in 2009, 16 people have been killed by lightning in the U.S.
• In 2008, 28 people died due to lightning strikes in the U.S.
• Hundreds of others were permanently injured. Of the victims who were killed by lightning in 2008:
  
  • 100% outside
  • 79% male
  • 36% males between the ages of 20-25
  • 32% under a tree
  • 29% on or near the water

If a thunderstorm approaches when you are outside - go indoors immediately. Learn more about reducing your risk to ensure you have a safe summer. 

Lightning Safety Resources:

• Lightning Risk Reduction - Outdoors (NOAA)
• Safe Shelter and Indoor Safety (NOAA)
• Lightning Safety Overview (NOAA)
• Lightning Safety Quiz

Rip currents are strong narrow channels of water flowing away from the shore at surf beaches. These currents often are characterized by a difference in water color or debris that is moving seaward. (4)

When going to the beach, be aware of the local conditions and pay attention to posted warning and signs.

If caught in a rip current:

• Stay calm
• Don't fight against the current
• If you can't escape, float or tread water
• Call or wave for help

Remember - if in doubt - don't go out.

Rip Current Resources

• Rip Current Safety Tips (NOAA)
• Break the Grip of the Rip! (NOAA)
• Rip Current Fact Sheet (USLA/NOAA)