|
Every year we look forward to the Fourth of July where our friends and families gather for barbecues, parades and most importantly…. the fireworks! The bright colors and loud bangs are the perfect way to celebrate America’s freedom year after year. However, due to COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines, this Fourth of July holiday surely was different for us all. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many counties and cities to cancel their fireworks displays to keep large crowds from gathering in one place. Though some shows are still on, it is important to be very careful when it comes to social distancing and celebrating safely.
Handling Fireworks Safely
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 243 people on average go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries during the Fourth of July season.
It is highly advised that everyone enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals, and not to use any fireworks at home. Fireworks may be legal in your area but overall, they are not safe. Fireworks are dangerous for both kids and adults when not handled properly.
This summer, take a little extra precaution keep you and your family safe and happy:
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
- Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities, especially sparklers!
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or another accident.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
- After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
Visit the Fireworks Information Center to learn more. Let us #CelebrateSafely.
Beat the Heat: Be Prepared for Extreme Heat!
While the Summer season is winding down, we need to remember that summer heat is here to stay for a while!
The summer heat can be uncomfortable, but also dangerous. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat often results in the highest annual number of deaths among all weather-related disasters. Heat exhaustion kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed, and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, potentially leading to heat strokes. As the weather warms up and the potential risk for heat waves increases, it is very important that individuals take a number of steps to ensure they are safe this summer by recognizing and responding to the signs to treat heat-related illness.
Remember:
- Extreme heat can occur quickly and without warning.
- Older adults, children and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat.
- Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index.
IF YOU ARE UNDER AN EXTREME HEAT WARNING:
- Find air conditioning.
- Avoid strenuous activities.
- Wear light clothing.
- Check on family members and neighbors.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Never leave people or pets in a closed car.
Learn more about preparing for and coping with extreme heat at www.ready.gov/heat.
Disasters happen, and when they do, children are among the most vulnerable. Children comprise approximately 25 percent of our nation’s population and are the future of our communities. It is critical to educate our children on how to be prepared because the reality is that that we might not always be with them during an emergency.
FEMA’s National Household Survey data indicates that more than half of households with children do not have emergency plans that include how to reconnect with family members after an event. We can focus our efforts on creating or promoting programs and materials to help families create comprehensive emergency plans. Ready.gov/plan has several tips and tools to help individuals and families plan for emergencies.
FEMA NHS data also indicates that households with more than two children are much less likely to be financially prepared: they are less likely to have savings for an emergency and less likely to have homeowners or renter’s insurance. Ready.gov/financial-preparedness provides excellent financial preparedness tips and tools to aid individuals and families in becoming more prepared for a disaster or any other type of emergency.
Always remember, being prepared for disasters starts at home. Consider how you can promote emergency preparedness in your family or community—in a fun way! Incorporating games and physical activities are engaging ways to get kids thinking and talking about safety. Find more tips at Ready.gov/kids.
Many of the Midwest states have begun to reopen in some way after the coronavirus thrust the country into lockdown starting in March. This means that in many places, outdoor venues are fair game for crowds as summer approaches, including restaurants, bars, and recreational spaces. But just because your community is reopening, does this mean you can venture out safely?
Despite substantial variations in how states are deciding to open up, with some forging ahead of others, it is crucial for individuals to understand that COVID-19 is still an active threat. With more people out in public and more places open for business, Center for Disease Control (CDC) experts share advice on Daily Life and Going Out as well as What You Should Know About COVID-19.
You can learn more about reducing your risk of getting and spreading the virus when you and your loved ones resume daily activities outside.
Please check your state's public health department's and emergency management's website for your state latest guidelines, including local mask mandates and state quarantine specifics.
Congratulations to our graduating National and Regional Youth Preparedness Council members, Hannah Schultz, Lucy Arbanas and Ryan Ciminski! Each of our members served as a regional preparedness ambassador to support FEMA Region V in its mission to build more resilient communities this past year.
FEMA’s Regional Preparedness Council is made up of 8-12th grade students across the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin who are interested in promoting preparedness and safety in their communities.
We thank each of our graduating members for their dedication and efforts in spreading awareness of the importance of emergency preparedness across the Midwest. Each of our graduating members have been leaders in local preparedness, collaborating with their regional team working on projects related to financial preparedness, citizen responder programs, and youth preparedness education.
Hannah Schultz, National Youth Preparedness Council member, graduated from Marine City High School and will be attending Wayne State University in the Fall where she will be majoring in accounting as she works toward her goal of becoming a real-estate attorney. Learn more about her preparedness efforts at https://www.ready.gov/kids/youth-preparedness-council/meetthecouncil.
Lucy Arbanas, a multi-year member of the Region V RYPC, graduated from Buchanan High School as one of the top ten students in her graduating class. She will be attending Ferris State University majoring in Biology and Pre- Optometry studying to become an Optometrist.
Ryan Ciminski, also multi-year member, graduated from Stillwater Area High School this past May. In the Fall, he plans to study Computer and Data Science at the University of San Francisco as a J. Paul Getty Scholar.
For more information on the Region V RYPC please visit https://www.fema.gov/region-v-youth-preparedness-council.
|
