LABOR DAY SAFETY BRIEFING

LABOR DAY SAFETY Summer will soon be fading into fall, and Labor Day weekend is the time of the year we try to have that last big fling.

LABOR DAY SAFETY Before taking off on any recreational activity, the best idea is to plan ahead.  Consider the following: Assess your experience level Know the hazards & how to control them Check your gear BEFORE you leave Plan for the unexpected & emergencies Expect the weather to change Know your limits... don't exceed them

LABOR DAY SAFETY Warm-up & stretch before physical activities Make a trip plan to leave with others Let someone know where you are going & when you will return Drugs, alcohol and recreation are a dangerous mix This holiday, we're all ready for some fun. Life is a time full of enjoyable, and sometimes dangerous, activities. We'll be taking a look at a few of these seemingly “harmless” endeavors.

LABOR DAY SAFETY DO A PRE-TRIP CHECK OF YOUR AUTO. ALWAYS TAKE EXTRA SUPPLIES ON A TRIP (FANBELTS, FOOD, FLASHLIGHT, ETC.) MAP YOUR ROUTE. TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS ALONG THE WAY. IF YOU’RE DRINKING COFFEE TO KEEP AWAKE IT’S TIME TO STOP. NEVER TAKE PILLS TO KEEP ALERT. DOING SO ONLY MAKES A “HYPER-DRIVER.”

LABOR DAY SAFETY DON’T DRIVE FURTHER THAN YOUR BODY CAN TOLERATE. 6 TO 8 HRS PER DAY IS ENOUGH. ALWAYS REMEMBER TO “MAKE-IT-CLICK.” WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT. DON’T DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND DRIVE. THE LIFE YOU SAVE MAY BE YOUR OWN!

DRINKING & DRIVING = THINK…. DON’T DRINK & DRIVE Driving while under the influence of alcohol can cost more than just money. Drinking and driving under the influence is dangerous. Often the result is the loss of life or physical, as well as emotional, injury. Each time a person climbs behind the wheel intoxicated the hammer on the gun is cocked, just waiting to fire a lethal 4,000 pound projectile called an automobile. A person who drives intoxicated, even if they manage not to kill or hurt someone, faces severe penalties if apprehended. How can we prevent people from driving under the influence? 1. Use a designated driver. 2. Take the keys from a friend who has had “one too many.” 3. Think of a course of action prior to going out. THINK…. DON’T DRINK & DRIVE

TRIP SAFETY * DRIVING * FLYING * HOTEL * PERSONAL

DRIVING SITUATIONAL AWARENESS !! DRIVE DEFENSIVELY Other drivers on the road may not be as safe as you are ALWAYS ! Leave Windows Up/ Doors Locked Leave yourself maneuvering room at intersections

DRIVING Look for tampering Under the car Check the back seat area Keep gas tank at least half full Alter routes and avoid choke points Plan “Escape” routes as you drive Watch mopeds/cycles Do not pick up hitchhikers

DRIVING No one is immune from mishaps more and wider variety of activity increased risk The 101 Critical Days period runs from Memorial Day to Labor day and traditionally it’s the period when mishap rates soar. No one is immune from mishaps--not you and not me! During the 101 Critical Days, people will participate in a wide variety of activities both on and off-duty. However, some people feel compelled to “tempt fate” by taking unnecessary risk and thereby increasing their mishap potential. Last year was a very good year regarding mishaps. However, even during a “good” year we still killed 22 people and half of those were in PMV’s. 3

FLYING Use concealed baggage tags AIRPORTS - Spend as little time as possible in one - Through security quickly - Wait in lounge or other open area away from lockers - Sit with your back against the wall Be a “People Watcher”

HOTELS Choose an inside room - if possible Sleep away from street side windows Don’t give room number to strangers Close curtains Leave lights on when room is vacant Lock before you exit Keep room key in your possession Alternate parking places Lock your car

PERSONAL Avoid Patterns Eating Places Shopping Driving to Work Always carry “phone change” Be especially alert leaving restaurants, bars Be suspicious of packages/mail from unknown sources

PERSONAL SAFETY PROTECT YOURSELF Be aware of stuff happening around you Who What Where Terrorism is not the biggest threat!

RECREATION SAFETY Swimming Boating Jogging Bicycling Camping Summer just wouldn’t be summer without a little outdoor activity. Now let’s take a look at how we can ensure our summer recreation is all fun and not a bad memory. 10

SWIMMING Swim with a buddy!! Know your swimming ability NEVER swim alone! Know the area and don’t exceed your swimming ability. Your best bet is to swim in a controlled area monitored by a lifeguard. Shallow depth and hidden debris are always considerations when swimming. Do not dive into unfamiliar waters or dare others to do so. Water temperature is a concern in many of the northern climates. Blood vessels constrict in the cold, your body loses heat, and you can develop an oxygen deficiency that causes unconsciousness and ultimately drowning. Contrary to popular belief, alcohol intensifies this effect. If your swimming area has strong currents, don’t fight them, swim parallel to the shore and angle yourself in instead of swimming directly against the current. Swim with a buddy!! Know your swimming ability Check water before diving 11

BOATING Know the rules Use life vests Don’t overload Check weather Being a responsible boater is as important as being a responsible driver. Keep your boat in tip top condition. Ensure all inspections are current. Like driving, alcohol and boating don’t mix. Weather can change rapidly. Check the weather before departing and then remain alert for changes. Always have one personal flotation device (PFD) per person on the boat, and ensure all small children wear theirs at all times. Wearing life preservers is best is the best course of action, whether you are a swimmer or non-swimmer. Don’t overload the boat. Know the limitations of your boat before you go. Keep the proper safety equipment aboard and ready for immediate use. Attend a Coast Guard approved boater safety course. Knowledge is one of the best ways to reduce risk in a given activity. Contact Outdoor Recreation for more information on boating safety. When swimming, boating or fishing, inform a responsible person, who is not going with you, where you are going, when you expect to return, and when to send out the search party. Use the buddy system any time you participate in water activities. Don’t overload Check weather 12

JOGGING Warm-up Be visible day and night light colored clothes reflective belt/vest As with any physical activity, the first step in jogging should be adequate warm-up. Stretch the muscles before you demand they perform. If you jog or walk after dark, wear light colored or reflective clothing. If there are no sidewalks or designated jogging paths, jog on the side of the road, FACING traffic. Use sidewalk/path or jog facing traffic 13

BICYCLING Obey traffic signs Use hand signals Ride single file Ride on right side of road Be visible day and night light colored clothes reflective belt/vest A bicycle is a vehicle. It should always be operated in the road, and the operator must follow the rules of the road. Obey all traffic control devices, including posted speed limits. If you ride after dark, you must have a headlight and reflectors. Wear light colored clothes and/or a reflective vest/belt. ALWAYS wear your helmet. Your head is one valuable asset that can never be replaced. 14

CAMPING Check equipment Camp in approved areas Camping involves just as much preparation as any road trip. Ensure you have the items you’ll need to make your trip enjoyable. Choose your campsite carefully. A level area, on high ground, near a water source is an ideal choice. As you set up camp, make a survey of the area and eliminate the obvious hazards and warn fellow campers of any special hazards to avoid. If you have a fire, ensure you follow the rules of the campsite. Only camp in approved areas (If it’s not approved there could be a good reason why). Use caution when starting a campfire and ensure you are permitted to do so. Make sure campfires are fully extinguished before leaving your campsite. When hiking and camping in wilderness areas, inform appropriate personnel of your intentions and check in at the ranger station when departing and returning. If you are going to use a heating device, follow all instructions and ensure you provide proper ventilation. NEVER use an open flame heating device in a closed area. Carbon monoxide poisoning is insidious. It will certainly ruin your day and the rest of your life. Use caution when starting fires! 15

HOME SAFETY Home Maintenance Cooking Outdoors Home safety is important too! Don’t let familiar surroundings lull you into a false sense of security. Complacency can get you in trouble. Stay alert. 16

HOME MAINTENANCE Follow Use caution when operating electrical tools and other equipment Don’t attempt a job you are not prepared or qualified to do. Leave it to the professionals. When you start your work, take your time. Do it right and do it safe! Lawn care implements 1. Power mowers - wear shoes, keep children away, watch for flying objects 2. Weedeaters - long pants and eye protection are good ideas 3. Edgers - possibly the most dangerous lawn care tool, use eye protection, keep children away, watch for flying objects 4. Ladders - avoid standing on chairs or other makeshift devices, make sure ladder in good condition Use lawn care chemicals with caution. Don’t “home-brew” insecticides or fertilizers. Dispose of chemicals properly. Keep hazardous materials in their original marked containers and keep all hazardous material out of the reach of children. Wear/use protective equipment (Eye, hearing, hand and foot protection) as appropriate. Don’t bypass “deadman” switches or other safety devices. Never use a tool for other than it’s intended purpose. Follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations 17

COOKING OUTDOORS Use lighter fluid, not gas Move away from house and overhangs Always monitor grill Let coals cool before disposal Gasoline can never be substituted for charcoal lighter. Ensure the grill is at least 5 to 10 feet away from the house, deck, and any other flammable structure. It should also be clear of areas where children and pets could accidentally bump the grill and burn themselves, or knock the grill over. Although most modern grills employ a “hands-off” method of cooking, you still need to monitor the grill for potential problems. never leave the grill unattended. Flare-ups can ruin your party! Always ensure the coals are completely cool before dumping. If you’re home, wait until the next day. 18

CONCLUSION This summer, be careful, be risk wise, and most of all, be back after the Labor Day holiday! Have a great summer season! 23

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