Spring is finally here! As the weather warms up and the flowers start to bloom, it's important to remember to stay safe. Whether you're out and about or enjoying some spring cleaning at home, there are plenty of things you can do to keep yourself and your community safe. From being aware of potential hazards to making sure your home is secure, check out our spring safety tips graphic for some helpful reminders. Share them with your community on Neighbors all season long to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable spring season.
Quick Link: Create a Post
Stormwater Runoff: The Silent Killer of Our Waterways
Sample message:
Remember, what goes down the storm drain can end up in our waterways. Help protect our environment by disposing of waste properly, picking up pet waste, and reducing pesticide/fertilizer usage. By taking these small steps, we can all make a big impact in keeping our waterways clean and safe for future generations.
#SaferNeighborhoodsTogether
Source: Government of Milford, NH
Planning on Outdoor Projects this Year?
Sample message:
Before you dig, make sure to call 811 to have underground utilities marked. It's important to know the location of gas, electric, and other utility lines before starting any excavation or digging project. By making this free call, you can help prevent accidents and damages to underground infrastructure, and keep yourself and others safe.
#SaferNeighborhoodsTogether
Source: 811
Test Your Smoke Alarms
Sample Message:
This is your monthly reminder to test your smoke alarm by pushing the test button. If you don’t hear a sound, replace the alarm.
Remember that smoke alarms do not last forever - replace your alarms after 10 years. Remove your alarm from the wall or ceiling and look at the back of the alarm for the date of manufacture. #SaferNeighborhoodsTogether
(Source: U.S. Fire Administration)
Tips to Help Poison-Safe Your Home
Sample Message:
Be prepared. Keep the National Poison Control Center number, (800) 222-1222, in your cell phone contacts. The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
#SaferNeighborhoodsTogether
(Source: National Safety Council)
Reminders About Household Product Labels
Sample Message:
When warning labels are ignored or chemicals fall into the wrong hands, disasters can occur. Be prepared and keep the National Poison Control Center number, (800) 222-1222, in your cell phone contacts.
#SaferNeighborhoodsTogether
(Source: National Safety Council)
Pawsitively Safe: Protecting Your Furry Friends From Lyme Disease
Sample message:
Protect your pet from tick-borne illnesses by regularly checking for ticks after outdoor activities, particularly in grassy or wooded areas where ticks are commonly found. If you find a tick on your pet, it's important to remove it as soon as possible to reduce the risk of Lyme disease transmission. Additionally, talk to your veterinarian about tick prevention options for your pet, such as tick repellent medications or tick collars, to further protect them from ticks and the diseases they can carry.
#SaferNeighborhoodsTogether
Source: @ClipperDist
Severe Weather Storm Tips
Sample message:
As we enter spring, we may experience severe weather storms such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flash floods. These storms can be dangerous, so it's important to stay informed and take precautions to protect yourself and your family. Here are some tips to help you stay safe during severe weather storms:
-Stay informed: Listen to local weather forecasts, watch for severe weather alerts, and follow instructions from emergency officials.
-Have an emergency plan: Discuss with your family what you will do in case of a severe weather storm, including where to take shelter.
-Prepare your home: Make sure your home is equipped with emergency supplies such as a first-aid kit, a battery-operated radio, and enough food and water for at least three days.
-Stay indoors: If there is a severe weather storm in your area, stay inside and away from windows. If you are driving, seek shelter immediately.
-Be aware of flooding: Never attempt to drive through flooded roads, as the water may be deeper than it appears.
Remember, severe weather storms can be unpredictable, so it's important to stay alert and take all necessary precautions to keep yourself and your family safe.
#SaferNeighborhoodsTogether
Source: National Weather Service
Help Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Sample Message:
Remember to test your carbon monoxide (CO) detectors every month. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
CO poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning and other illnesses. Some symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness or headaches. High levels of CO can be fatal, causing death within minutes.
A person can be poisoned by a small amount of CO over a longer period of time or by a large amount of CO over a shorter amount of time.
#SaferNeighborhoodsTogether
(Source: National Fire Protection Association)
Spring into Safety!
Sample message:
Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to clear out clutter and get your home and yard in order, but it's important to keep fire safety in mind. Inside your home, make sure to remove any excess clutter that can easily ignite and keep flammable materials away from heat sources. Check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they're working properly, and have a fire escape plan in place for you and your family.
Outside your home, clear away dead leaves and other debris from your gutters, roof, and yard to prevent the risk of outdoor fires. Make sure to properly store flammable liquids, such as gasoline and propane, in well-ventilated areas away from heat sources.
By taking these simple steps, you can help reduce the risk of a fire and keep your family and property safe.
#SaferNeighborhoodsTogether
Source: Bourbonnais Fire Protection District
Electrify Your Safety! Ladder Safety Around Electrical Lines
Sample message:
As you prepare for spring home maintenance tasks, always be aware of overhead electrical lines when using ladders. Keep a safe distance of at least 10 feet away from power lines to prevent electrical shock and electrocution. Remember to use non-conductive ladders made of materials such as fiberglass, and never touch a power line with any part of your body or equipment. By taking these precautions, you can complete your tasks safely and avoid potentially dangerous situations.
#SaferNeighborhoodsTogether
Source: PA Environmental Daily