Did you know that . . .
Simple Tips can keep you safe at home?

Electrical Safety

• Never go near or touch power lines. Assume every wire is "live" and never assume a line is "dead."
• Before you move a metal ladder or scaffolding, check to see that it's clear of power lines. They can be deadly if contact occurs with a line.
• Never use water on electrical fires. Have everyone leave the house and call the fire department if you cannot extinguish it. If the fire is a small appliance, unplug the appliance or turn off the electricity. DO NOT TOUCH APPLIANCES. Use a class C fire extinguisher, which is recommended for electrical fires.
• Never repair a break in an outdoor extension cord. Throw the cord away and buy a new one.
• Don't use indoor lights for outdoor purposes. Use only bulbs, extension cords, wiring, outlets, and other fixtures specifically designed for outdoor use. (Check the manufacturer's instructions and the Underwriters Laboratories approval).
• Don't touch appliances, cords or plugs with wet hands or while standing on a wet surface. Don't put electrical tools, appliances or cords in water.
• If you encounter an electrical-injured victim, do not touch the person until they have been freed from the source of electricity. You can use a non-conductor, such dry rope or wood to push or pull the victim away from the power source.
• If an appliance works improperly or gives the slightest warning of a problem, such as shocks or sparks, disconnect it and have it serviced.
• Protect cords from heat, chemicals and oil. Coil cords loosely when storing tools. If cords are broken, get new ones or shorten them. Never splice broken cords.

Basic First Aid Tips

• Before assisting a victim, protect yourself first. Assess the scene and determine the prevalent hazards, if any. Whenever possible, wear gloves to protect yourself from blood and other bodily fluids.
• When an emergency occurs, make sure the tongue does not block the victim's airway and that the mouth is free of any secretions and foreign objects. It's extremely important that the person is breathing freely. And if not, you must administer artificial respiration promptly.
• See that the victim has a pulse and good blood circulation as you check for signs of bleeding. Act fast if the victim is bleeding severely, swallowed poison or his heart or breathing has stopped. Remember every second counts.
• It's vitally important not to move a person with serious neck or back injuries unless you have to save him from further danger. If he has vomited and there is no danger that his neck is broken, turn him aside to prevent choking and keep him warm by covering him with blankets or coats.
• Don't give fluids to an unconscious or semiconscious person. Fluids may enter his windpipe and cause suffocation. Don't try to arouse an unconscious person by slapping or shaking. 

Home Fires

• Before the major causes of fire are: Smoking 26%, Incendiary or Suspicious 16%, Heating 14%, Child Playing 10%, Electrical Distribution 10%, Cooking 8%, All other causes 16%.
• The LEADING CAUSE of death in a fire is asphyxiation. Fire consumes the oxygen in the air and increases the amount of deadly carbon monoxide, which causes a loss of consciousness or death within minutes. Fire victims rarely SEE the flames.
• At floor level, temperatures average about 32 degrees C, but at eye level rise to 315 DEGREES.
• Make sure all family members have a planned escape route that they can travel with their EYES CLOSED! Practice staying low to the ground when escaping.
• Feel all Doors before opening them and if the door is hot try to get out another way.
• Open a window to escape or for fresh air while awaiting rescue. Even more preferable, if possible, open slightly the top AND bottom portions because smoke tends to draw out of the top, while fresh air comes through the bottom. 
• If you can't get out, fill a bathtub with water as quickly as possible, because you can lose water pressure quickly. Put damp clothes along  the bottom of the door. 

Heat Exhaustion

• Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can strike anyone who is exercising outdoors in hot weather, so exercise your caution as well as your body. 
• Symptoms of heat exhaustion include clammy, cool skin, dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, weak- ness, headache, nausea, cramps, and a weak and rapid pulse. 
• Heat stroke symptoms include hot, dry skin, an elevated body temperature, confusion, and even unconsciousness or convulsions. The solution for both is to drink a lot of liquids (without caffeine or alcohol) and get into a cooler environment. 
• The best strategy for dealing with heat is prevention: Don't exercise during the middle of the day, when the sun is highest and air is hottest.
• Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after exercising, and wear loose-fitting, light clothing. If you're planning a day-long bike ride, take a break during the hottest time of day, and make sure you have access to plenty of water, either by traveling near rest stops or by bringing enough with you.
• Heatstroke can also affect anyone who's sitting in a closed car on a hot day, but is particularly dangerous for children. Never leave any living thing in your car while you dash into the store "just for a minute." That means not animals, not children, not even a potted plant.