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PUBLIC SAFETY

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Seasonal Safety Tips

    The foundation of every successful safety and fire prevention endeavor is grounded in a clear understanding of past problems and current situations.  The following links provide useful information for public awareness and safety:

"Spring"                                                 "Back to School Safety Tips"                        "Halloween Safety Tips"

"Cold Weather Safety Tips"

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Winter Driving Safety

    Living in the Colorado brings about one certainty in life - dealing with winter weather.  Carefully following the tips and  information we have provided for you may save your life.

The following is from the FEMA Winter Driving Fact sheet

FACT SHEET: WINTER DRIVING
The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter driving.

BEFORE

Have a mechanic check the following items on your car.
bulletBattery
bulletAntifreeze
bulletWipers and windshield washer fluid
bulletIgnition system
bulletThermostat
bulletLights
bulletFlashing hazard lights
bulletExhaust system
bulletHeater
bulletBrakes
bulletDefroster
bulletOil level (if necessary, replace existing oil with a winter grade oil or the SAE 10w/30 weight variety)
bulletInstall good winter tires.
bulletMake sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.

    Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal.  Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.  Plan long trips carefully, listen to the radio or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions.  Always travel during daylight and, if possible, take at least one other person.  If you must go out during a winter storm, use public transportation.  Dress warmly, wear layers of loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing.  Carry food and water, store a supply of high energy "munchies" and several bottles of water.  Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on winter driving.

Winter Car Kit

Keep these items in your car:
bulletFlashlights with extra batteries                                First aid kit with pocket knife
bulletNecessary medications                                             Several blankets
bulletSleeping bags                                                            Extra newspapers for insulation
bulletPlastic bags (for sanitation)                                      Matches
bulletExtra set of mittens, socks, and a wool cap           Rain gear and extra clothes
bulletSmall sack of sand for generating traction under wheels
bulletSmall shovel                                                                Small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
bulletBooster cables                                                           Set of tire chains or traction mats
bulletCards, games, and puzzles                                      Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag
bulletCanned fruit and nuts                                                Non-electric can opener
bulletBottled water

IF TRAPPED IN CAR DURING A BLIZZARD

STAY IN THE CAR: Do not leave the car to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. You may become disoriented and lost in blowing and drifting snow.

DISPLAY A TROUBLE SIGN: Hang a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna and raise the hood.

OCCASIONALLY RUN ENGINE TO KEEP WARM: Turn on the car's engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater when the car is running. Also, turn on the car's dome light when the car is running.

BEWARE OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING: Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.

DO MINOR EXERCISES TO KEEP UP CIRCULATION: Clap hands and move arms and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in one position for too long. If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping.

FOR WARMTH, HUDDLE TOGETHER: Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for added insulation.

AVOID OVEREXERTION: Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration.

WIND CHILL: "Wind chill" is a calculation of how cold it feels outside when the effects of temperature and wind speed are combined. A strong wind combined with a temperature of just below freezing can have the same effect as a still air temperature about 35 degrees colder.

WINTER STROM WATCHES AND WARNINGS: A winter storm watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area. A winter storm warning indicates that severe winter weather conditions are definitely on the way.  A blizzard warning means that large amounts of falling or blowing snow and sustained winds of at least 35 miles per hour are expected for several hours.

FROSTBITE AND HYPOTHERMIA: Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure that can permanently damage its victims. A loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, or nose and ear lobes are symptoms of frostbite.  Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion.  If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance. Warm the person's trunk first. Use your own body heat to help. Arms and legs should be warmed last because stimulation of the limbs can drive cold blood toward the heart and lead to heart failure.  Put person in dry clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket.  Never give a frostbite or hypothermia victim something with caffeine in it (like coffee or tea) or alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster and hasten the effects the cold has on the body. Alcohol, a depressant, can slow the heart and also hasten the ill effects of cold body temperatures.

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Fire Safety Information for Adults and Families

Play It Safe--Home Safety Checklist                                Fire Safe Landscaping

Manufactured Home Fire Safety                                     How To Use A Fire Extinguisher

Curious Kids Set Fires

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Fire Safety for Kids and Fun Page Links 

Link to NFPA's Sparky the Firedog Activity Page              Link to Smokey the Bear Kids' Page

Wild Land Fire vs. Growth Student Activity Sheet

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Fire Safety Information for Senior Citizens

Safety Fact Sheet for Older Adults                                Understanding the Risks--Elderly

 

How Can We Help

Carseat Inspection CPR Public Safety Smoke Alarms

 

Greater Brighton Fire Protection District
425 South Main Street, Brighton Colorado  80601
303-659-4101