TRICK OR TREAT TIME October 21, 2010

KEEP EYES OPEN FOR TRICK-OR-TREATERS

Halloween is a holiday filled with tricks, treats and fun for people of all ages. While it’s important to have a good time, it’s essential to be safe.

 

If you’re getting behind the wheel, it’s important to keep an eye out for the little ones taking to the streets on foot. Be sure to drive slowly, especially in residential areas. While 20 mph may seem like a snail’s pace to some, drivers have a 15 percent chance of killing a pedestrian while traveling at that speed. That number increases to 45 percent when traveling at 30 mph.

 

Children may be especially excited and energetic on Halloween, possibly making their moves more unpredictable. In addition, their costumes may impair their vision, making it more difficult for them to see surrounding traffic.

 

Parents can do their part by accompanying their child, using reflective material on the costumes, sending along a flashlight, having the child make eye contact with drivers, and always looking before crossing the street. Another suggestion is to walk facing traffic when in a neighborhood without sidewalks.

 

Popular trick-or-treating hours are from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. During this time, be sure to stay alert, watching for children at intersections, and along curbs or roadways without sidewalks. Avoid distractions such as talking on the cell phone, texting, changing CD’s or eating.

 

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY 4TH!! July 2, 2010

The Fourth of July is just around the corner with its parades, cookouts and fireworks.  Whether it is a community event or a private display in your own backyard, fireworks can be dangerous.

According to National Fire Prevention Association, fireworks devices were involved in an estimated 7,000 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during 2008.  The highest rates of injuries were for children ages 5 to 9 and 15 to 19.  Males accounted for 62% of fireworks injuries.

Injuries resulting from fireworks include burns and lacerations – generally to the hands, face or head.  The risk of fire death relative to exposure shows fireworks to be the riskiest consumer product for death due to fire.

While celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks, you are encouraged to pay special attention to the risk of fires, too.  In 2008, an estimated 22,500 reported fires were started by fireworks.  These fires resulted in one civilian death, 40 civilian injuries and $42 million in direct property damage.  The largest numbers of fires associated with fireworks were: grass fires (9,800 per year), brush fires (6,500), dumpster fires (2,500), unknown-type natural vegetation fires (1,900) and outside trash, rubbish fires (1,800).

Fireworks Safety Tips

Always read and follow label directions.

An adult must be present when handling fireworks.

Buy from reliable sellers.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission requires that legal fireworks show the name of the item, the name of the manufacturer or distributor, and easy to read cautionary labeling and instructions for proper use.

Avoid sparklers.  They can potentially catch clothes or hair on fire, and they can heat up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit (hot enough to melt gold).

Keep water handy if you are around fireworks.

Only use fireworks outdoors.

Light fireworks in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass, and flammable materials.

Never make your own fireworks.

Never re-light a “dud” firework.  Do not touch the firework for 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

Store fireworks in a dry, cool place.  Check instructions for special storage directions.

Observe local laws.

Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.  Bystanders are more frequently injured by fireworks than the people who use them.

Never let children handle or light fireworks.

Never light more than one firework at a time.

For the safest of holidays, let the professionals handle the fireworks.  Enjoy one of the many fireworks displays held in the area.

SELF DEFENSE FOR WOMEN March 30, 2010

Wellness Center of Cape Coral Offers Self-Defense Course for Women A six-week self-defense course for women will be taught by internationally certified Black Belt Master martial arts instructor, Eddie Rose. The course will start the week of April 5 and run through May 14. Participants may choose to attend three times per week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) from 2 to 3 p.m. or from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. The course will also be offered on Saturdays from 8 to 10 a.m. Classes will be held at The Wellness Center of Cape Coral, 609 SE 13th Court, Cape Coral. The cost of the course is $99 for Lee Memorial Health System employees and Wellness Center members and $149 for the general public. To register, visit the front desk of The Wellness Center or call 573-4800. Payment reserves your spot. Class size is limited.

February 23, 2010

Lee Memorial Health System Foundation Partners with Kohl’s to Reduce Child Traffic Injuries and Fatalities

Kohl’s Cares for Kids Program to Fund Children’s Hospital Car Seat Safety Event This Saturday

The Lee Memorial Health System Foundation announces that the next Kohl’s “Take a Seat for Safety” event will take place this Saturday, Feb. 27, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Lehigh Sheriff Substation (in front of the Publix Plaza), 1301 Homestead Road N, Lehigh Acres. The community event series is designed to mitigate the alarming national statistics that over 80% of all car seats are installed incorrectly.  More than 1,700 children have been saved since 1996 just because they were riding in a properly fitted car seat and in the back seat.  A properly fitted car seat reduces child fatality risk by 71% and serious injury by 67%.

Parents, grandparents and child guardians who transport children under the age of 12 are strongly encouraged to attend this event and have their car safety seat checked free of charge.  Bilingual fitting technicians will also be available. 

Event attendees must have a car seat with them when they arrive. Through The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Transportation, car seats are available at a reduced rate to those members of the community experiencing financial hardship. 

The safety checks are free, but appointments are strongly encouraged.  Please call 239-432-4491or 239-432-3803 to schedule an appointment convenient for you, or to purchase a car seat.  If you are unable to attend the event, technicians will schedule a check for you at The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida at HealthPark. Call 239-432-4491 or 239-432-3803.

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL CAR SEAT SAFETY EVENT January 13, 2010

This Saturday The Lee Memorial Health System Foundation announces that the next Kohl’s “Take a Seat for Safety” event will take place this Saturday, Jan. 16, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Bonita Springs Fire Control & Rescue Station 1, 27490 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. The community event series is designed to mitigate the alarming national statistics that over 80% of all car seats are installed incorrectly.

 More than 1,700 children have been saved since 1996 just because they were riding in a properly fitted car seat and in the back seat. A properly fitted car seat reduces child fatality risk by 71% and serious injury by 67%.

 Parents, grandparents and child guardians who transport children under the age of 12 are strongly encouraged to attend this event and have their car safety seat checked free of charge. Bilingual fitting technicians will also be available. Event attendees must have a car seat with them when they arrive.

 Through The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Transportation, car seats are available at a reduced rate to those members of the community experiencing financial hardship. The safety checks are free, but appointments are strongly encouraged. Please call 239-432-4491or 239-432-3803 to schedule an appointment convenient for you, or to purchase a car seat. If you are unable to attend the event, technicians will schedule a check for you at The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida at HealthPark. Call 239-432-4491 or 239-432-3803.

December 14, 2009

Fire risk typically increases in U.S. around winter holidays

NFPA offers tips to keep holidays festive and fire-free

 Festive decorations are hallmarks of the holiday season, but according to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), they also play a role in many U.S. home fires during this time of year. Fires involving Christmas trees, decorative lights, as well as those associated with holiday activities like cooking and candle usage, significantly contribute to seasonal fire rates as well.

 

For resources and information about holiday fire safety, including audio clips, videos and safety sheets, visit NFPA’s Web site at http://www.nfpa.org/holiday.

 

“It’s easy to understand that many holiday traditions have the potential to put us at an increased risk for fire, and during the holidays it can be especially challenging to keep fire safety in mind with many other things competing for our attention,“ said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of communications. “By understanding where holiday fire hazards exist, and taking some simple preventative steps to avoid them, people can greatly reduce their risk to fire and keep everyone in good cheer.”

 

Christmas Trees:  U.S. fire departments annually respond to 250 home structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Nearly half of them are caused by electrical problems, and one in four resulted from a heat source that’s too close to the tree. Here are some guidelines for picking, placing and lighting a tree:

• If you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant.
• If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 1-2 inches from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit, and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights.
• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
• After Christmas, get rid of the tree. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home.
• Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

Cooking:  According to NFPA, unattended cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire injuries. Stay in the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling or broiling food. As most cooking fires involve the stovetop, keep anything that can catch fire away from it, and turn off the stove when you leave the kitchen, even if it’s for a short period of time. If you’re simmering, boiling, baking or roasting food, check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking. For homes with children, create a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried.

 

Candles:  Candles are widely used in homes throughout the holidays, and December is the peak month for home candle fires. NFPA statistics show more than half of all candle fires start because the candle was too close to things that could catch fire. Consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles. However, if you do use traditional candles, keep them at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed. Use candle holders that are sturdy, won’t tip over and are placed on uncluttered surfaces. Avoid using candles in the bedroom where two of five U.S. candle fires begin or other areas where people may fall asleep. Lastly, never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.