National Weather Service video: Tsunamis: Be Prepared and Stay Safe!
By Christal Harte
March 24-30 marks National Tsunami Awareness Week. Thankfully, there’s no risk of being hit by a tsunami here in Southeastern Pennsylvania; in fact, according to FEMA‘s National Risk Index, the risk so low that it’s not applicable. Regardless, we all travel and have loved ones in other locations, so it’s a good idea to learn about these disasters.
If you are traveling along the Pacific Coast of the United States, there is a greater risk. It’s always a safe bet to do a little bit of research before traveling to your destination on what potential risks you might run into and learning to safeguard you and the parties you are traveling with. Something our family always does when we vacation is purchase travel insurance to make sure that we are covered during most emergencies. You should also create a contingency plan in case a disaster strikes. Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
Tsunamis are triggered by asteroids, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, underwater landslides, and other shifts in our tectonic plates. A tsunami in action can travel about 20-30 miles per hours with waves spanning 10-100 feet high. Signs of a tsunami can include earthquakes, a loud boom from the ocean, a sudden rise from the ocean or a sudden draining of the ocean, where more of the ocean floor is visible. If the ground is shaking, a good rule of thumb is to protect yourself from that earthquake by dropping, covering and holding on. However, if you’re in an area where a tsunami is possible, get to higher ground and move closer inland, as it increases your chances of survival. If you are in a boat, you will have a better chance at survival by moving into deeper waters and away from land.
Looking for a good film that does a decent job of showing what it’s like to experience and survive a Tsunami? There’s a 2012 called “The Impossible” that tells the story of a family who was caught in a 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami while they were on holiday in Thailand.
Here’s your challenge – learn more about disaster preparedness as it related to tsunami’s and check out a good film!
What wouldn’t you do for a beloved pet? You bestow cuddles, toys, and treats. You wrap it in a cozy sweater for winter walks. Maybe you even share your bed. Perhaps the greatest way to show your love, though, is by keeping it safe. Many common household plants and cleaners are dangerous to cats or dogs if ingested, but with a just few minutes spent pet-proofing your space, you will help avoid the heartache of accidental poisoning.
March 20 marks the start of National Poison Prevention Week, aimed at raising awareness of pet toxins in our environment and providing resources to their owners. The Pet Poison Helpline is a good place to start. Their phone line is always staffed (855-764-7661), and the web site offers a searchable list of human medicines, plants, and common household substances and their toxicity levels to cats and dogs.
ASPCA: Household dangers by room.
What are some simple steps to help prevent and address pet poisoning?
Note the list of most common and most toxic household substances, and then survey your home. Make sure any poisonous items are placed in pet-proof containers and locations. For plants—such as lilies, which are highly toxic to cats—it might be best to remove them altogether if you live with a very curious cat!
Have ready basic first aid supplies. Pet Poison Helpline recommends keeping an emergency cheat sheet on hand, with information including the phone number of the nearest emergency veterinarian clinic. This web page also lists recommended first-aid items, many of which apply to humans as well.
Know the signs of animal poisoning. The Pet Poison Helpline offers a list of symptoms to watch for. Always monitor your pet’s behavior and note anything out of the ordinary that might indicate distress or sickness. Detailed instructions on what to do if poisoning is suspected are available at Emergency Instructions.
With a little awareness, common sense, and knowledge of poison prevention, you are sharing with your pet the greatest gift: the path to a safe and healthy life.
Red Cross graphic: What to do during daylight saving time: Turn your clock forward & Test your smoke alarm.
Daylight saving time begins this Sunday, March 12, and the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region reminds everyone to TURN your clocks forward one hour and TEST your smoke alarms.
Did you know working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half? That’s why it’s critical to “Turn and Test” and take these lifesaving steps to stay safe from home fires — the nation’s most frequent disaster:
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year if your model requires it.
Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. That’s because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Check the date of your smoke alarms and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Practice your two-minute escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to get out of a burning home before it’s too late. Include at least two ways to get out from every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows where to meet.
Teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like. Talk about fire safety and what to do in an emergency.
“As many as seven people die in this country every day from a home fire, but smoke alarms cut your risk in half,” said Guy Triano, Regional CEO for the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania. “Protect your household this weekend. Turn your clocks forward and test your smoke alarms.”
Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to practice with your family. You can also download our free Emergency app by searching for “American Red Cross” in app stores.
The Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters every year and most of them are home fires. To help prevent fire-related deaths and injuries, the Red Cross launched the Home Fire Campaign with community partners in 2014 to reduce fire-related deaths and injuries.
Recently, with support from thousands of community partners, the campaign met its goal of installing 2.5 million free smoke alarms and making 1 million households safer across the country. So far, the Home Fire Campaign is credited with saving more than 1,583 lives in the U.S. Because home fires remain a daily threat and the campaign has made a lifesaving difference, the Red Cross will be continuing the program with community partners as part of its standard services across the country.
Red Cross graphic – How to treat a burn: 1. Eliminate the cause of the burn. 2. Cool it under running water for 10 minutes or apply a cool compress. 3. Loosely cover it with a clean dressing if it needs medical care. 4. Call 911 if needed.
Each year, thousands of people experience burn injuries that can have a profound impact on their daily lives. During National Burn Awareness Week (Feb. 5-11), it is important to raise awareness about burn prevention and the proper treatment of burn injuries.
The Causes of Burns
Burns can be caused by a variety of sources, including fire, hot liquids, chemicals, electricity, and the sun. Understanding the various sources of burns is crucial in preventing them. For example, burns from hot liquids can be prevented by always pouring them into containers with a handle and never leaving them on the edge of a counter. Burns from the sun can be prevented by wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen.
Preventing Burns
The following steps can be taken to prevent burn injuries:
Install smoke detectors in your home and test them monthly.
Keep flammable items, such as curtains and paper, away from heat sources.
Store flammable liquids, such as gasoline and alcohol, in a safe place.
Use oven mitts and potholders when cooking or handling hot objects.
Teach children about the dangers of fire and hot objects.
Treatment of Burns
If you or someone you know experiences a burn injury, it’s important to take the right steps to care for it. For minor burns, one can take the following steps:
Cool the burn with running water for at least 20 minutes.
Remove any clothing or jewelry near the burn, but do not try to remove anything that is stuck to the skin.
Apply a sterile, non-adhesive bandage or cloth to the burn.
Take over-the-counter pain medication, if needed.
In case of severe burns or burns covering a large area of the body, seek immediate medical attention.
Red Cross graphic – Can you put ice on a burn? No! Ice may further damage the skin. Use cool water or a cold compress.
Conclusion
National Burn Awareness Week is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of burn prevention and the proper treatment of burn injuries. By understanding the causes of burns and taking steps to prevent them, we can help reduce the number of burn injuries and fatalities. Take this week to educate yourself and those around you on the importance of burn awareness, prevention, and treatment.
For information on how to treat a wide range of injuries, download the Red Cross app from your favorite app store or text GETFIRST to 90999.
Winter is here, which means snowmen, sledding, and plenty of snowballs, but also safety. Winter can be hazardous for a multitude of reasons, but as long as you follow these helpful tips, you should be set to have a safe and enjoyable season.
Red Cross graphic – Brrrr! Stay warm outside by changing wet clothing frequently to prevent body heat loss.
No matter what you’re doing or where you’re going, dressing appropriately for the season should be your first priority. It’s important to dress warmly to prevent sickness and keep yourself feeling well, and in extreme cases it can prevent hypothermia. Below are some strategies for how to dress for wintertime and snowy weather:
Layer up: start with a base, like an undershirt, and layer up from there. REI suggests three layers: a warm base, an insulating middle layer like a sweatshirt or fleece jacket, and a protective outer layer, like a big winter coat.
Wear a hat: a hat can keep your head dry and warm and prevent cold-induced headaches.
Wear gloves or mittens: your hands are one of the most likely spots to be affected by frostbite, so it’s crucial to keep them warm.
Find a good pair of winter boots: finding boots that are equipped for winter weather is critical, as not only can they keep your lower extremities warm, but they are typically made to withstand slippery and snowy walking conditions, which can give further protection to the wearer.
Red Cross graphic – Winter tip! Stretch before shoveling snow.
According to the National Safety Council, snow shoveling can cause upwards of 100 deaths yearly in the United States. What is seemingly a safe and practical activity can quickly turn deadly. The main causes of this is the strain that shoveling puts on the heart; after a few sedentary winter months, a sudden and huge amount of effort, as well as exposure to frigid temperatures, can lead to an increased risk of heart attacks. When shoveling snow, it’s important to follow these safety tips:
Dress warmly and do a quick warmup to get yourself ready.
Choose an efficient shovel; one that is lightweight but can help do the lifting work.
To avoid back pain and overexertion, don’t lift the snow; instead, opt for pushing it out of the way.
Take breaks often.
Stay hydrated.
Red Cross graphic – 3 things to keep in your car this winter: sand; red cloth; flashlight.
Driving in the wintertime can be scenic but also perilous. According to the NHTSA, 17% of all car crashes occur in winter conditions. Limited visibility and cold temperatures can leave people trapped on the road for hours. In the event that you are stuck roadside in a winter storm, it’s important that you have these items stashed in your car at the ready:
Flashlight
Phone charger
Blanket
A large jug of water
Non-perishable snacks, like granola bars
Ice scraper or a shovel
Jumper cables, in case your car has broken down 8. Matches
Toolbox, in case you need to change a tire
First-Aid kit
Extra winter clothes
Hopefully using these helpful tips, you can safely enjoy a beautiful and fun time of the year! Visit redcross.org for more winter safety info.
“Heartbeat” by Mick Lissone, published under CC0 Public Domain license.
February is National Heart Month! This is the perfect opportunity to start taking control of your heart health! Luckily, the American Heart Association makes it easy to know where to start. Developed by the American Heart Association, Life’s Essential 8 encompasses both health behaviors and health factors to help you take control of your cardiovascular health. Investing in your heart health now helps lower the risk for adverse health outcomes such as heart disease and stroke.
Recently, in 2022 five updates were made to Life’s Essential 8 that include sleep as a component of heart health, a new guide to assess diet, vaping, and secondhand smoke, adjustments to cholesterol and blood sugar measures, and scores each component to average an overall heart health score on a scale from 0-100.
Here are Life’s Essential 8 and some ways you can follow:
Eating better starts with knowing what choices to select! The American Heart Association has a Heart-Check mark certification making it easy to locate in the grocery store. The American Association even has cookbooks to help you navigate a heart-healthy diet to fit your needs.
The American Heart Association shares that adults should get a weekly total of a minimum of 150 minutes of light activity or 75 minutes of intense activity and kids should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. Setting goals, being persistent, and walking more are among the various tips for success in being more active. The American Heart Association has resources to help you get started in fitness, stick to habits, start workouts, and get active.
The use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. About one-third of children ages 3-11 in the United States are either exposed to secondhand smoke or vape themselves. This can be significantly reduced by implementing strategies to quit tobacco. Make a plan to quit by setting a date, choosing a method, deciding if you need help from a provider, preparing yourself by removing triggers that may inhibit urges, and quit on your own time.
Need more resources to quit? Check out the American Heart Association’s Fact Sheet.
Many people disregard the power of sleep as it relates to health, the right amount of sleep promotes healing and minimizes the risk for chronic disease including cardiovascular disease, dementia, depression, high blood pressure, and obesity. Adequate sleep also improves brain function. Adults should be getting about 7-9 hours of sleep each night and children should get 10-16 hours each night.
For more information, check out the American Heart Association’s Tips for Success.
Weight management is one of the most important factors in maintaining good heart health. Weight management includes some of the other Essential 8s such as eating better and getting more active. Other tips for weight management include medical professional consults and learning your Body Mass Index (BMI) to set a healthy goal weight.
Managing your cholesterol aids in reducing the risk of heart disease. Medical professionals can help you track your cholesterol levels and help you make a plan to control them. Here are additional resources to help you understand cholesterol. Tips to reduce cholesterol are a part of other Essential 8s including eating healthy, being more active, and quitting nicotine. Other tips include taking medication if needed and knowing your fats.
Managing blood sugar is not only good for heart health but also helps control pre-diabetes and diabetes. Living with diabetes increases your chances of heart disease and stroke. Medical professionals can help you track your levels, and you can help yourself by eating better, staying active, managing your weight, and quitting nicotine.
If you think you may be at risk for diabetes, check out the YMCA and CDC-approved Diabetes Prevention Programs in your area.
If you have Type 2 diabetes, check out these resources to help manage your diabetes and reduce your risks for adverse heart outcomes.
The first step in managing your blood pressure is understanding your readings and blood pressure categories. The top number in the reading is systolic and measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. The bottom number is diastolic and measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting. Blood pressure readings are characterized by the numbers displayed in the ratio.
By following 5 of the Essential 8s you are already on the right track in managing your blood pressure. Eating better, being more active, managing weight, quitting nicotine, and sleeping well all aid in the management of blood pressure.
“Optometrist Diopter In A Laboratory” by Alex Grichenko, published under CC0 Public Domain license.
January is the month during which National Eye Care and National Glaucoma Awareness is observed. Your eyes serve as a pair of critical organs which, through conveying the action of sight, are giving you the opportunity to see and further read this very article!
Due to their heightened level of importance, as well as their relative sensitivity to damage and irritation, it’s crucial that you take care of your eyes on a daily and consistent basis. To ‘observe’ this month, learn and spread awareness of safe practices regarding the eye, visit an optometrist/ophthalmologist, and ensure that your eyes get the proper rest that they require.
Get an eye check-up
In order to help spread awareness for this month, many eye-health clinics and hospitals offer discounts for annual checkups held during January. But it’s important to care for your eyes year-round, not just in January! During a checkup, a licensed professional will correct any vision loss and scan your eyes for potential symptoms of deterioration/illness. Early detection of potentially serious eye-health issues is of the utmost importance.
Glaucoma scans can save your sight
Glaucoma scans are an important of most eye exams. About three million Americans have been diagnosed glaucoma, a potentially genetic disease known for being a “sneak thief of sight.” Glaucoma attacks the optic nerve of the eye (by the force of pressure) in a chronic and progressive manner. This disease is partly dangerous because over a third of a person’s vision may be lost as a result of the damage before they even notice that it is gone. Glaucoma, thus, is the second-leading cause of blindness across the world. While modern medical advances have improved Glaucoma treatment, it is still extremely important for everyone to be tested for this condition on a consistent and early basis.
Update your prescriptions
On a more general note, it is also important to visit an eye doctor for yearly (at least) general checkups in order to ensure that your vision is proper. Many people wear glasses and contacts to help them see in a much more proficient and comfortable fashion. Generally, a person’s vision tends to deteriorate as they get older; hence, there is a continuous need for follow-up appointments and potential prescription revisions/new lens provisions.
Overall, it is critical to take care of your eyes; ‘eye’ highly recommend that you preemptively schedule your next care appointment in the near future!
Fun eye facts
Opticians help to correct vision problems through fitting the lenses of glasses/contacts. Optometrists perform preliminary eye exams and vision tests, as well as can prescribe medications. Ophthalmologists continue upon the work of optometrists, as well as additionally perform procedures.
The world’s most common eye color is brown.
Ancient sunglasses existed as far back as 20 centuries ago!
The average human eye blinks over 4 million times throughout the duration of a year.
Keep an eye on what you fry! That’s our sound advice to you as we approach Thanksgiving — one of the top days of the year for cooking-related home fires across the country. Carefully attending to your cooking, along with having working smoke alarms and knowing your family’s two-minute escape plan, goes a long way to keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday season. Read on for more tips and info.
Red Cross graphic: If you fry food and see smoke, turn off the burner.
COOKING SAFETY TIPS
It bears repeating — NEVER leave cooking for unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.
Move items that can burn away from the stove. This includes dishtowels, bags, boxes, paper and curtains. Also keep children and pets at least three feet away.
Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
When frying food, turn the burner off if you see smoke or if the grease starts to boil. Carefully remove the pan from the burner.
Keep a pan lid or a cookie sheet nearby. Use it to cover the pan if it catches on fire. This will put out the fire. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
For oven fires, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to smother the fire.
BEWARE OF TURKEY FRYER DANGERS
Turkey fryers get their own section because they are incredibly dangerous and can cause serious injuries. Google “turkey fryer dangers” to see some horrific video demonstrations of what can go wrong. Below is a poinent video from our friends at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
NFPA joins CPSC to demonstrate the fire dangers of turkey fryers in this live burn. NFPA strongly discourages the use of turkey fryers.Video courtesy of NFPA You-Tube.
The NFPA discourages the residential use of outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers and suggest purchasing a professionally cooked bird if you prefer this method of preparation. Below are some of NFPA’s safety concerns.
Fryers are often bumped or tipped over when the turkey is put in or taken out, presenting a greater risk for the oil to splash or spill. Outdoor fryers that come with a stand pose the greatest risk of tipping.
The oil is heated to such a high temperature for frying that the vapors could ignite, resulting in a fire.
If you use a turkey fryer during rain or snow, the risk of injury is increased. When rain or snow hits the hot oil, the oil can splash or turn to steam, which can cause burns.
Numerous fires have ignited when fryers were moved indoors or into a garage to keep the appliance out of the rain.
Moving the turkey from the fryer to a serving plate presents another chance of contact with hot oil.
Turkeys that are not completely thawed may cause the oil to splash, which can cause burns.
Red Cross graphic: Turkey Frying Tips. 1. Never use a fryer near your house or other structure. 2. Never fry a turkey that’s not fully thawed. 3. Place the fryer on a flat, even surface.
ADDITIONAL INFO
Below are links to resources to help keep your family safe this season and all year long.
American Red Cross graphic: How to celebrate an extra hour of sleep: 1) Check your smoke alarm; 2) Install a smoke alarm; 3) Volunteer to install smoke alarms.
The value of each life — your life— is why the American Red Cross not only helps people during emergencies, but continuously shares knowledge to help you help yourself. The American Red Cross provides life-saving tips for all types of emergencies — How to Prepare for Emergencies.
As we approach Daylight Saving Time, fire safety becomes top of mind for our American Red Cross communities. Fire experts say you may have as little as two minutes to escape a home fire, so let’s take some moments to “turn and test” your smoke alarms and increase your fire safety awareness.
Visit the Red Cross website to learn how to make an escape plan with your family and access additional resources. You can also download the FREE Red Cross Emergency app to your smartphone or tablet for safety tips on-the-go (just search for “American Red Cross” in the app store).
Graphic: Shake Out. Don’t Freak Out. October 20, 2022. www.ShakeOut.org
While Southeastern Pennsylvania is far from the Ring of Fire, earthquakes can happen anywhere. Always unannounced, earthquakes may tremor and stop or cause massive damage and enormous loss of life. Preparedness for the unknown is key.
Enter the Great Shakeout — a practice drill on 10/20 at 10:20 a.m. to prepare for any future earthquakes.
Tell your families: anywhere in the world at their local time, 10:20 a.m. on Thursday, October 20, people can take simple steps to practice what to do – during an earthquake.
While we mark that date, why not review some highlights?
There are multiple ways to protect yourself such as:
Drop (i.e., move low to the ground).
Cover in a tuck position (i.e., knees down and duck head down). Lock your hands over the back of your neck and hunch forward. Your neck and head need constant protection in case objects starting falling. Slide under a desk or table.
Hold on. Once under a table, use one hand to hold a table leg. If there is no desk, then slide against the wall. Always move away from windows.
One might ask why all the tucking and ducking? During an earthquake, especially the severe ones, your vital organs need protection. Mobility facilitates optimal body-positioning and location in the room.
But what if someone is not as mobile as ideal? For example, let’s say the earthquake experience happens to wheelchair-, cane-, or double crutches-bound individuals. The basics still hold true:
Cover head and neck with a book, if available.
Lock the wheels or brake. Hold the wheels with one hand, if necessary.
Take a seat if you were standing (on crutches) to reduce the chance of falling.
Last case scenario: You’re sleeping. The world starts shaking. You’re not dreaming. But you are prepared because you practiced. Flip onto your stomach. Cover your head with your pillow. When the shaking stops, you reach for something that is tied to your bed – your quake bag. Inside the quake bag, you have a flashlight and sneakers. In case the power died, the flashlight means you can now see. The bag protected your sneakers from debris. In case there is fallen sharp objects on the floor, your feet will not get cut inside your sneakers.
Remember: During an earthquake, close your mouth to prevent dust and debris entering.
Drop.
Cover.
Hold on.
You can review the details at www.shakeout.org. Remember: earthquake drill practice on 10/20 at 10:20 a.m.
