CAP Safety BriefingSeacoast Composite Squadron
26May 2016
Summer Heat PrecautionsWhat is Extreme Heat?Temperatures that hover over 10 degrees or more above the average temperature for the region and last for several weeks.Around here, it is “officially” aHEAT WAVEwhen the temperature goes to90 degrees or above for 3 days or more!!!To protect your health when temperatures are extremely high, remember to keep cool and use common sense.The following tips are important:Drink Plenty of Fluids:If your doctor limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink.
Replace Salt & Minerals:Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. If you exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids. If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage.Wear Appropriate Clothing & Sunscreen:I cannot emphasize enough the importance of protecting yourself from excessive exposure to the sun –PREVENTthat excess exposure by copious use of sunscreen and by wearing appropriate clothing to protect yourselfat all timeswhen out in the sun.Avoid Sunburns:Consult a doctor if sunburn affects an infant younger than one year of age or if the victim is running a fever, experiences severe pain, or develops fluid-filled blisters.
Schedule Outdoor Activities CarefullyStay Cool IndoorsPLAN AHEAD!!!!!!!!Use a Buddy System:Monitor the condition of co-workers and have someone do the same for you.
Monitor Those at High Risk:Infants and children up to four yrs. of ageare sensitive to the effects of high temps.People 65 years of age and older may not compensate for the heat stress.Overweight peoplemay be prone to heat sickness due to retaining more body heat.People who overexert during work/exercise.Know the symptoms of heat disorders and sun overexposure, and be ready to give first-aid.
Warning Signs of Heat stroke:High body temperature (above 103 F, orally)Red, hot dry skin (not sweating)Rapid, strong pulseThrobbing headacheDizzinessNauseaConfusionUnconsciousness
Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion:Heavy SweatingPalenessMuscle CrampsTirednessWeaknessDizzinessHeadacheNausea or VomitingFaintingGet victim to shady, area, cool off victim with cool water and seek medical attention immediately.
Thunderstorm Season BeginningAccording to the National Weather Service, an estimated400 Americans are struck by lightning every year!!!The majority of lightning incidents occur outdoors, but the National Weather Service warns that lightning can strike almost anywhere. For example, it’s not unusual for people to be hit while talking on a phone, working on a computer, taking a shower, or even lying in bed. That’s why it is ALWAYS wise to turn off electrical equipment and avoid windows and doors when a storm threatens. And,don’t assume that a storm has to be right over you for lightning to strike: Experts note that lightning can travel horizontally from a storm many miles away.Lightning is a dangerous, unpredictable force that can literally come out of nowhere.When in doubt, seek appropriate shelter right away.
Lightning FactsA lightning bolt can raise the temperature of the air by as much as 50,000 degrees F and contain 100 million electrical volts.It is estimated that the Earth is struck by more than 100 lightning bolts every second.Lightning has been witnessed in volcanic eruptions, intense forest fires, surface nuclear detonations, and heavy snowstorms.Most lightning deaths and injuries in the U.S. occur during the Summer months, when lightning and outdoor activities are the most common.The deadliest day of the year is the 4thof July.
Lightning SafetyLightning can approach very quickly. In fact, if you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you, warns the National Weather Service.Here are some helpful tips to stay safe around lightning:When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter: a substantial building with electricity or plumbing, or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with the windows up.Stay in the safe shelter for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.Stay off corded phones, computers, and other electrical equipment that puts you in direct contact with electricity.Stay away from windows and doors and off of porches.Do NOT lie on concrete floors, and do NOT lean against concrete walls.
If you are caughtoutsidewith no safe shelter and lightning is approaching, the following actions might reduce your risk:Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges, or peaks.Do NOT lie flat on the ground.NEVERshelter under an isolated tree.NEVERuse a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter.Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water.Stay away from objects that can conduct electricity, such as barbed wire, power lines, et cetera.
Grilling Fire SafetyKnowing a few fire safety grilling tips will help everyone have a safe Summer.Only use your grill outsideKeep it away from siding and deck railsKeep a 3-foot safe zone around your grill and campfireThis will keep kids and pets safeClean your grill after each useThis will remove grease that can start a fire
Open your gas grill before lightingKeep an eye on your grill, fire pit, or patio torchesNEVERleave them unattendedPlace the coals from your grill in a metal can with a lid once they have cooled
Questions
1. Who is at the most risk from high Summer temperatures?
1. Who is at the most risk from high Summer temperatures?
Infants and children under 4People over 65Overweight people
2. What is the primary thing that you should do if you hear thunder?
2. What is the primary thing that you should do if you hear thunder?
Immediately move to a safe shelter
3. If you are caught outside with lightning approaching and no safe shelter, what should youNOTdo?
3. If you are caught outside with lightning approaching and no safe shelter, what should youNOTdo?
NEVERshelter under an isolated treeNEVERuse a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter
4. What can you do to keep kids and pets safe while grilling?
4. What can you do to keep kids and pets safe while grilling?
Keep a 3-foot safe zone around your grill and campfire
BONUS QUESTIONWhat do home-living maven Martha Stewart and actors JimCaviezeland William Moseley have in common?
BONUS QUESTIONWhat do home-living maven Martha Stewart and actors JimCaviezeland William Moseley have in common?
They have ALL been struck by lighting.
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