RedCrossPhillyBlog

Category: Safety Tips

  • Water Safety Month: Kick off swimming season with Red Cross water safety tips

    By Yesh Kane

    Red Cross graphic: Make Water Safety a Priority. 1. Know how to prevent drowning. 2. Become water competent. 3. Know how to respond to a water emergency.

    As the warmth of summer approaches, families and individuals eagerly prepare to dive into swimming pools, lakes, and beaches. However, it is essential to prioritize water safety to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

    The American Red Cross has been a prime advocate of safety and emergency prevention. For more than 100 years, Red Cross has been helping millions of kids, teens and adults learn how to swim and become lifeguards and instructors so the water can be a safer place for everyone.

    The Red Cross created the first national water safety program in the U.S. — and today it’s still the gold standard for aquatics training. Click here to lookup water safety programs near you.

    Build Water Competency

    Drowning is a tragic and all-too-common cause of death, especially among children. It’s essential that we prioritize water safety to prevent such heartbreaking incidents. By developing water competency, which includes swimming skills, water smarts, and the ability to help others, we can make a significant difference in keeping ourselves and those around us safe in and around water.

    Water competency starts with being smart about water. Imagine you’re at the beach with your family. You’re not planning to swim, but it’s important to be cautious. Know your limits and take care of your physical fitness and any medical conditions. Always swim with lifeguards present or with someone keeping a watchful eye. And remember, wearing a life jacket that’s suitable for your weight and size is a must, whether you’re boating or not.

    Learning swimming skills is like unlocking a door to water safety. Think about it: being able to confidently enter water over your head and return to the surface, floating or treading water for a minute, and knowing how to turn over and turn around in the water can make a world of difference. Imagine if you or your child falls into a pool or a river—having the skills to swim at least 25 yards and exit the water safely can save lives.

    But water competency isn’t just about us—it’s also about helping others. Picture this: you’re at a crowded pool, and you notice a child struggling in the water. By paying close attention and knowing the signs of drowning, you can spring into action. Remember the saying “reach or throw, don’t go” to assist someone in trouble without putting yourself at risk. And having CPR and first aid training can be a lifesaver in those critical moments.

    Create Layers of Protection

    To make water safety a priority, it’s important to create layers of protection. Imagine you’re at a backyard pool party. Even if there’s a lifeguard, it’s crucial for you or another responsible adult to keep a close watch on children. Avoid distractions like checking your phone and be a dedicated “water watcher.” Teach your children to always ask for permission before going near water. And for boating or water activities, make sure everyone wears a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, regardless of their swimming abilities.

    Sometimes, accidents happen even to strong swimmers. That’s why it’s essential to be aware of the risks and take sensible precautions. Imagine you’re on a lake, planning to swim across with a friend. Always swim with a buddy to watch out for each other. It’s also important to avoid alcohol or drugs before swimming or supervising swimmers, as they impair judgment and coordination. And if you’re boating or fishing, remember to wear a life jacket, even if you don’t plan to jump into the water.

    Ultimately, ensuring that the entire family learns how to swim is an investment in their safety and enjoyment. Imagine the peace of mind when your loved ones have the skills to navigate the water confidently. It not only reduces the risk of drowning but also allows them to fully participate in water activities and enjoy the wonders of swimming.

    Know What To Do

    In the unfortunate event of an emergency, every second counts. Picture a child going missing at a pool party. The first thing you should do is check the water—it could make all the difference. If there’s a lifeguard, alert them immediately. Learn to recognize the signs of distress, like someone not making progress in the water, being unable to move or tread water, or appearing motionless and face down. Removing the person from the water safely, calling emergency medical services (EMS), performing rescue breathing and CPR, and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available can be lifesaving actions.

    By promoting water competency, implementing layers of protection, and knowing how to respond in emergencies, individuals can contribute to making water activities safer and prevent drowning incidents, ensuring that water remains a source of fun and enjoyment for everyone.

    Visit redcross.org for additional water safety information.

  • National Tsunami Awareness Week

    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.

    Click or tap Tsunami Resources for more information.

    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!

  • National Poison Prevention Week: Keeping your pets safe

    By Jackie Faiman

    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.

    For more interactive information on Pet First Aid, visit American Red Cross Mobile Apps and download the app.

  • Daylight Saving Time: Turn your clocks forward and test your smoke alarms

    By Dave Skutnik

    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.

    HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVING LIVES

    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.

  • Be Ready for Cold-Related Emergencies

    By Marta Rusek

    Red Cross graphic: Burrrr! Stay warm outside by changing wet clothing frequently to prevent body heat loss.

    Winter is here, and so are the risks of frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite involves specific parts of the body becoming frozen (especially your nose, earlobes, fingers, and toes), while hypothermia is a potentially life-threatening condition where the body’s warming system fails. 

    Thanks to the Red Cross First Aid App, you can quickly identify the warning signs of both frostbite and hypothermia and access life-saving information if you or someone you care about are experiencing them.

    These warning signs include:

    Frostbite:

    • Loss of feeling in body part
    • Skin that is cold to the touch, feels waxy, or discolored 

    Hypothermia: 

    • Shivering 
    • Feeling numb or weak
    • A glassy stare (staring, but not really able to focus)
    • Impaired judgment 
    • Loss of consciousness
    Red Cross graphic: Signs of Frostbite – Lack of feeling in affected area; skin appears waxy, cold to the touch or discolored.

    When dealing with frostbite, it’s important to move someone to a warm place and gently handle   the impacted body part. It’s also a good idea to soak the area in warm water (no more than 100–105 degrees F). You should also consider loosely bandaging the area with dry, sterile dressings. If fingers and toes are frostbitten, place dry, sterile gauze in-between to keep them separated. After taking these initial steps, seek professional medical treatment as soon as possible.

    Since hypothermia can be deadly, time and thoughtful action are of the essence.

    If you suspect someone is becoming hypothermic, call 911 immediately and gently move them to a warm spot. Remove any wet clothing and dry them off. Monitor their breathing and be ready to perform rescue breathing and CPR if needed. 

    As you wait for help to arrive, it’s a good idea to warm the person gradually and carefully. Wrapping them in blankets and applying hot water bottles or chemical hot packs are excellent ideas. Though your first instinct may be to immerse them in warm water (like a warm bath or in a hot tub), this could be horrendously painful for their skin or worse, cause a heart attack. 

    NOAA graphic: Warning signs of hypothermia – confusion,, shivering, difficulty speaking, sleepiness, stiff muscles.

    When the weather outside is frightful, here’s what you can do to prevent the cold and frost from becoming bite-ful:

    • Dress warmly and try not to linger out in cold weather. Low temperatures and wind chill together can increase the risk of developing frostbite or experiencing hypothermia.
    • Drink warm water and fluids often (avoid caffeine and alcohol). 
    • Stay active to maintain your body heat, like jogging in place or doing jumping jacks.
    • Take as many breaks as you can from the cold, and the moment you notice the warning signs of frostbite or hypothermia, remove yourself from the cold immediately!

    The Red Cross First Aid App is a free, life-saving tool in the palm of your hand. To access more tips for injury prevention and instructions for providing first aid, download it at redcross.org/apps or through your mobile device’s app store.

  • National Burn Awareness Week

    By Michael Antonucci

    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:

    1. Install smoke detectors in your home and test them monthly.
    2. Keep flammable items, such as curtains and paper, away from heat sources.
    3. Store flammable liquids, such as gasoline and alcohol, in a safe place.
    4. Use oven mitts and potholders when cooking or handling hot objects.
    5. 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:

    1. Cool the burn with running water for at least 20 minutes.
    2. Remove any clothing or jewelry near the burn, but do not try to remove anything that is stuck to the skin.
    3. Apply a sterile, non-adhesive bandage or cloth to the burn.
    4. 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.

  • Deck your halls safely this holiday season

    By Terri Seydel

    Red Cross graphic: Never leave lit candles unattended.

    Candles have been lighting our way and our homes for more than 5,000 years. Over time, their use has been extended beyond our basic needs and they have come to represent peace, tranquility, and hope.

    In modern times, the winter holiday season brings an increase in the use of candles as they are widely used in religious ceremonies, celebrations, and home decoration.

    This increase in seasonal use also brings a greater risk of fire. In fact, more than half of the home fires in December are started by candles. However, most of these fires can be avoided with these simple precautions.

    • Choose decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
    • Ensure there are no flammable materials near lit candles
    • Never leave a burning candle unattended; blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed.
    • Do not use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens.
    • Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
    • Keep matches and lighters in a secure area away from children’s reach.
    • Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.

    The Red Cross offers these additional steps you can take to decorate your home safely:

    • Check all holiday light cords to ensure they aren’t frayed or broken. Don’t string too many strands of lights together — no more than three per extension cord.
    • Turn off all holiday lights and decorations when going to bed or leaving the house.
    • Ensure outside decorations are for outdoor use and fasten lights securely to your home or trees. If using hooks or nails outside, make sure they are insulated to avoid an electrocution or fire hazard.
    • If buying an artificial tree, look for the fire-resistant label. When putting it up, keep it away from fireplaces, radiators and other sources of heat. Never use electric lights on metallic trees.
    • If getting a live tree, make sure it’s fresh and keep it watered. To test if the tree is fresh, bend the needles up and down to make sure no needles fall off.
    • Don’t light the fireplace if hanging stockings or other decorations on the mantel.
    • Check the labels of older decorations. Some older tinsel is lead-based. If using angel hair, wear gloves to avoid irritation. Avoid breathing in artificial snow.
    • If using a ladder, be extra careful. Make sure to have good, stable placement and wear shoes that allow for good traction.

    This holiday season, keep your home bright and your family safe. For more safety tips, check out this holiday home fire info sheet.

  • Travel smart and safe this holiday season

    By Sanaya SinhaRoy

    Red Cross graphic – 3 things to keep in your car this winter: sand, red cloth, flashlight.

    As the trees start to look bare and the air starts to feel chilly against your skin, you know that the holiday season is around the corner. Holiday break from office or school is something everyone looks forward to. Two weeks of relaxation often means vacationing to your favorite destination or traveling to see your relatives. But even if it’s one day out of the house or one week out of the house, it is important to stay safe the whole trip to enjoy the holidays to the fullest.

    SAFETY WHEN DRIVING

    1. It is important to make sure your car is in good condition, especially if you are traveling far distances by road.
    2. Be prepared! Check the weather for your destination ahead of time. Pack an emergency kit and let a close friend or family know of your itinerary.
    3. Buckle up, slow down and don’t drive impaired.
    4. Drive safely and slowly on icy roads. Don’t drive if roads are not yet plowed and sanded.
    5. Follow the rules of the road.
    6. Give your full attention to the road. Phone should not be a distraction in anyway shape or form!
    7. Make frequent stops to stretch your legs and re-energize. If you are with someone, rotate who is driving.
    8. If car troubles arise, pull off the road as far away as possible.

    HOME SAFETY

    1. If you have security systems, make sure they are working properly.
    2. Have a friend or neighbor check on home, especially if gone for a while
    3. Cancel mail and regular deliveries.
    4. Set timers for interior lights.
    5. Disconnect computer, tv, stereo and other electronics in case of power surges.
    6. Check to lock doors and windows and garage.
    7. Don’t leave spare keys outside.

    OTHER SAFETY TIPS

    1. Even though the COVID-19 spread has calmed down, you are still capable of getting it! Wash hands and sanitize frequently.
    2. Pack smart! See what would be best to wear and use at the place you are visiting.
    3. If you are traveling by air, check if the airline requires any vaccination, testing or documents.
    4. Eat and drink safely.

    LINKS

  • Common sense cooking tips for a safe Thanksgiving holiday

    By Alana Mauger

    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.

  • Heat your home safely this winter

    By Robert Ambrose

    Red Cross graphic: Heater Safety – Turn off every time you leave the room or go to sleep; give all heating equipment at least 3 feet of space; and place on a level, hard and nonflammable surface.

    Cold weather is here, and since you’re likely planning to heat your home again this winter, the elevated energy costs (e.g., natural gas, oil and electric) have you concerned. The likelihood of experiencing a home fire increases during cold weather months, often because of dangerous home heating practices. This blog focuses on preventing destructive fires to help protect your family and home.

    Carelessness brings pain! Follow these tips to heat your home safely:

    • Paper or fabric and heat do not mix. Please move flammable materials (e.g., paper, clothes, curtains, rugs) at least three feet from a portable space heater, a fireplace or stove.
    • Never leave the heater or fireplace to tend to itself. Be there to monitor the space heater or fireplace. Before going to bed, shut down the heater or make sure fireplace cinders are fully extinguished.
    • Have your chimney, fireplace, wood stove, or coal stove professionally inspected and cleaned annually. Kids and space heaters need to be separated; same for pets.
    • Winterize your home to prevent cold air drafts with insulation, like storm windows or plastic coating over the windows to help you stay warm.

    Another way to protect your home is to test your smoke alarms. With working smoke alarms, you and your loved ones have a 50% higher chance of surviving a home fire. Practice your fire escape plan with your family and have a meeting point outside your home so you can count how many family members might need rescued. Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to practice with your family. You can also download the free Red Cross Emergency app from any app store. 

    Since wintertime can bad storms, losing power is a possibility. It’s dark and the stores are closed. But no worries because you are prepared! You have a three-day supply of food and water per person, a radio and extra batteries for the radio and flashlights. Sand, rock salt or kitty litter comes in handy to make your outdoor walkways less of a slip hazard. Warm coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots and warm clothing for all household members, along with extra blankets should tide you over until the power is re-activated. If you have them, alternative heating sources like a fireplace, wood stove or coal stove could help as long as they are used safely (review the above tips!).

    Get more heating safety info here.