Emergency Preparedness Week

The National Safety Council (NSC), announced that this week, June 16 - 22, is Emergency Preparedness Week as part of their National Safety Month. This week focuses on encouraging safe behaviors to prevent injuries and deaths in an emergency. Emergencies can include fires, natural disasters and terrorist hazards.

The NSC recommends that families have a plan in case of an emergency and practice it at least twice a year. A survival kit is also an important factor in any emergency plan. Emergency preparedness kit should include:

• One gallon of water per person, per day for three days
• Three days worth of non perishable food and a can opener
• Battery powered radio
• First aid kit
• Tool kit
• Moist towelettes and garbage bags for sanitation
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape
• Cell phone and portable charger

To be better prepared for emergencies, find out what kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, are most likely to occur in your area and how you will be notified. Methods of getting your attention vary from community to community. One common method is to broadcast via emergency radio and TV broadcasts. You might hear a special siren, or get a telephone call, or emergency workers may go door-to-door. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) send free informational text messages to WEA-enabled cell phones within range of an imminent and dangerous local situation, severe weather event, or AMBER emergency. You do not need to register to receive WEA notifications. You will automatically receive alerts if you have WEA-capable phone and your wireless carrier participates in the program. To find out if your mobile device is capable of receiving WEA alerts, contact your mobile device carrier or visit CTIA The Wireless Association.

Another good way to be prepared is to think about where you and your family frequent and check with the locations about their site-specific emergency plans. If none are in place, consider volunteering to assist in developing one. If you think ahead of a crisis, you will be better prepared to reunited with your family.

If you are an employer, make sure that your workplace has a building evacuation plan and make sure this plan is practiced regularly. If there isn't a plan in place, visit ready.gov/business for more information on how to develop one. The SafetySkills online safety training course, Emergency Action Plans for Office Employees can provide employees with the knowledge and skills needed to understand emergency action plans and some protective actions that can be taken in different types of emergencies. Other helpful courses for workplace safety include, Fire Safety, Emergency Response, Basic First Aid and Severe Weather and Outdoor Work.

For more information about all of the SafetySkills online safety training courses, please visit us at SafetySkills.com.

It's Peak Season for Trampoline Troubles

Trampolines have become the must-have summer accessory to many yards of families with children. But using trampolines, even when protected by a net to stop people from falling off, can still be risky. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents do not purchase trampolines and do not allow their children to jump on trampolines at someone else's home. Safety features such as padding or enclosed netting are insufficient to reduce the risk of injury. Many children still suffer injuries even under the supervision of a parent or adult.

According to a report by Time Magazine, the majority of trampoline injuries, 75% occur when more than one person is jumping on the trampoline at a time. Usually the youngest and smallest jumpers are at the highest risk for getting hurt; fractures and dislocations account for 48% of injuries in kids under 5. Overall, fractures and sprains make up the bulk of the harms in any age group, while falls from the apparatus, which can be catastrophic, cause 27% to 39% of all injuries. The statement notes that failed attempts at somersaults and flips frequently cause cervical spine injuries, resulting in permanent and devastating consequences.

Not only is a trampoline a dangerous form of child recreation, it is also a nightmare for insurance coverage. An important issue for homeowners to determine is whether their homeowner’s insurance covers them in the event that a person is injured while using a trampoline on their property. Because of the potential injuries and long term conditions that can be caused while using a trampoline, homeowners may be liable for any injuries that may occur. Although 40% of all trampoline injuries are to the leg and foot areas, some injuries such as paralysis have occurred and the resulting lifelong condition has caused the medical cost for treatment of these injuries and the log term care assistance to go far above the policy limits set by most homeowners insurance companies.

If you have a home with a trampoline and choose to allow your children to use it, there are some options to make trampoline usage safer. A trampoline safety alert from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC, recommends several steps to reduce the risk of serious injuries. First, only one person at a time should jump on the trampoline. Do not allow jumpers to attempt somersaults. Always keep the trampoline springs covered with padding, and do not place the trampoline too close to trees or other structures. Only allow children 6 and older to jump on a full-sized trampoline, and supervise all children on trampolines. Place an enclosure around the trampoline to prevent falls to the ground, and do not place a ladder near the trampoline because small children can potentially climb the ladder and jump unassisted. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns parents and guardians to make sure their children's schools do not have trampolines and to inspect home trampolines regularly for tears, rust and detached springs or pads.

For other home and off the job safety tips and online courses, please visit the SafetySkills Off The Job Safety Series.