The summer months are a prime time for family road trips, fun in the sun, exercising outdoors, and enjoying the beautiful weather. But while you’re making the most of the season, it’s important to stay aware of certain risks, fire hazards, and potential emergencies.
The Swift Current Fire Department has come together to speak about certain risks, offer tips to keep yourself safe, and explain the best ways to contact emergency services should an emergency arise.
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The most important thing to know when you’re in an emergency is 911 etiquette – when to call 911, when not to call 911, and what to say when you do call.
“Call 911 when you need police, the fire department, or medical assistance that requires immediate action,” says Firefighter Doug Libel. “Emergencies include situations where someone’s health, safety, or property is in jeopardy, like fires or car accidents, or when a crime is in progress.”
Doug continues, “911 dispatchers do not provide information on weather, power outages, or municipal services. They will not provide non-emergency phone numbers.”
And, if you ever call 911 by accident, DO NOT hang up. Wait on the line and explain what happened so they know you’re not in danger.
If you are in danger and call 911, be prepared to tell the dispatcher what happened, where you are, and which service you need.
“The dispatchers are there to help you, and will stay on the line until someone is on the way,” says Doug. “Don’t hang up until they give you the okay.”
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While you’re enjoying your summer, do your best to prevent an emergency situation by following these safety tips from your Swift Current Firefighters.
General Summer Safety
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Keep track of how long you’re spending in the open sun. Take regular breaks inside or in the shade, and keep up your fluid intake even if you don’t feel thirsty.
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When you’re outside on bikes, scooters, or skateboards, wear a helmet! Make sure it’s the correct type for the activity, that it’s fitted properly, and that you’re checking it regularly for damage or defects.
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Always let someone know where you’re going, and always have a way to communicate if you’re on your own.
Water Safety
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Never leave children unattended near water, no matter how deep. They should always have adult supervision.
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If you can’t swim, or are out in open water, always wear a life jacket or personal flotation device.
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Diving head-first should only be done in an area where it’s designated to be safe, like at the swimming pool. Never dive head-first into unfamiliar waters, or lakes or rivers that can be constantly changing. Always enter unfamiliar waters feet-first.
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Only let children swim in areas that are designated for them. These areas are professionally assessed to ensure they’re free of hidden dangers.
Barbecue Safety
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Only BBQ in an open, well-ventilated outdoor area.
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Keep your BBQ a safe distance from your home or other combustible materials or structures.
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Ensure your BBQ is in good working condition by inspecting burners, hoses, and tanks for damage or wear.
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Never leave your BBQ unattended while it’s in use.
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Keep a spray bottle on hand to extinguish potential flare-ups, and always have a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby in case a fire does break out.
Firepit Safety
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All firepits require a permit and must be approved by the Fire Department before use.
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Only burn clean, seasoned wood, charcoal, or manufactured fire logs.
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Never burn yard waste, garbage, or hazardous materials.
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Most importantly, keep a means of extinguishing the fire close by at all times.
Storm Safety
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Keep an eye on the forecast and have a plan in place.
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Seek shelter indoors when you hear thunder or see lightning.
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Avoid flooded areas and never drive through standing water.
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Secure outdoor items that could become projectiles in high winds.
Emergency Preparedness
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Build an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, and important documents.
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Create a family emergency plan and practice it regularly.
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Learn about potential hazards in your area.
Smoking Safety
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Improperly extinguished smoking materials are one of the leading causes of fires, but they are 100% preventable.
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Dispose of your smoking materials in a non-combustible container
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Never discard smoking materials in plant pots, potting soil, peat moss, on the ground, in the garbage, or in dry grassy areas.
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Never throw your smoking materials out the window of your vehicle.
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Never smoke in an area where people are using oxygen equipment.
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Keep lighters and matches away from children.