CAP SAFETY BRIEFING SEACOAST COMPOSITE SQUADRON 26 May 2016

Summer Heat Precautions What 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” a HEAT WAVE when the temperature goes to 90 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 – PREVENT that excess exposure by copious use of sunscreen and by wearing appropriate clothing to protect yourself at all times when 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 Carefully Stay Cool Indoors PLAN 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 age are sensitive to the effects of high temps. People 65 years of age and older may not compensate for the heat stress. Overweight people may 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 pulse Throbbing headache Dizziness Nausea Confusion Unconsciousness

Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion: Heavy Sweating Paleness Muscle Cramps Tiredness Weakness Dizziness Headache Nausea or Vomiting Fainting Get victim to shady, area, cool off victim with cool water and seek medical attention immediately.

Thunderstorm Season Beginning According to the National Weather Service, an estimated 400 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 Facts -A 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 4 th of July.

Lightning Safety Lightning 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 caught outside with 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. -NEVER shelter under an isolated tree. -NEVER use 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 Safety Knowing a few fire safety grilling tips will help everyone have a safe Summer. Only use your grill outside Keep it away from siding and deck rails Keep a 3-foot safe zone around your grill and campfire This will keep kids and pets safe Clean your grill after each use This will remove grease that can start a fire

Open your gas grill before lighting Keep an eye on your grill, fire pit, or patio torches NEVER leave them unattended Place 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?

Infants and children under 4 People over 65 Overweight people

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 you NOT do?

NEVER shelter under an isolated tree NEVER use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter

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 QUESTION What do home-living maven Martha Stewart and actors Jim Caviezel and William Moseley have in common?

BONUS QUESTION What do home-living maven Martha Stewart and actors Jim Caviezel and William Moseley have in common? They have ALL been struck by lighting.