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Entries in Safety (18)

Friday
Mar192010

NOAA: Imminent Flood Threat in Midwest, South and East Also at Risk

 

NOAA announced that flooding this year is imminent and in some places major flooding has already started as the spring thaw begins.

The above image of the released March 2010 flood map shows more than a third of the contiguous United States has an above average flood risk –– with the highest threat in the Dakotas, Minnesota and Iowa, including along the Red River Valley where crests could approach the record levels set just last year.

This week, by no coincidence is also national Flood Safety Awareness Week and both FEMA and NOAA have renewed their partnership to raise Flood awareness safety.

Tuesday
Mar162010

Disaster Tip of the Week: Turn Around Don't Drown

This is something that confronts all drivers at one time or another, you come across a large pool of water in the road and it looks to be only a few inches deep. You drive through it and nothing happens. So you do it again next time and the time after that.

Then one day your not so lucky, you drive through the same pool of water, in fact it looks like there is less water than last time, and next thing you know your car drops into a hole and the water is up to the middle of the window, and now you can't get out.

Lets face it, driving through standing water is a bad idea, and driving through flowing water can be even more dangerous, and here is why.

As I mention above, (watch the videos below) the water may be much deeper than you realize especially if it has caused the roadway to collapse which is a common occurrence. Another reason is that it takes two feet of water to float the largest of vehicles, even a bus. However, just six inches of water can float smaller vehicles and can be enough to cause larger vehicles to become unstable.

Add flowing water to the mix and you can easily be swept away. Six inches of fast moving water can knock a person off their feet and even less if the water is moving fast enough.

Next time you come across that pool of water in the road - "Turn Around Don't Drown"

Rescue from Submerged Vehicles

 Woman Drives into Pool of Water

Rescue After Water Main Break

 Fire Truck In Hole After Road Collapses

 

Friday
Oct302009

Halloween Safety Tips For A Happy and Safe Halloween 

Tomorrow is Halloween (Happy Birthday Mom), a favorite holiday for many and obviously an important date in my family. 

So, we thought we would share some tips to keep you safe and include links to some sites with the best tips.

  1. Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
  2. Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
  3. At night, hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.
  4. Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent skin and eye irritation.
  5. Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
  6. If you must wear a mask make sure it fits well and does not block your vision, if it does block your vision remove it before crossing the street and look both ways.
  7. Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
  8. Only trick-or-treat in well known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
  9. Never cut across yards or use alleys.
  10. Always contact Law enforcement when you see suspicious or unlawful activity.

Have more tips? Feel free to share them with us.

You can also view more tips on the following site:

Halloween Safety

CDC Halloween Safety Tips

LAFD Halloween Safety Tips

 

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