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J u l y 2 0 1 7
www.ClintonTwpNewsletter.com
e n J o y s u m m e r s a F e l y
By Bucky Buchanan, Deputy Chief of EMS
Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad
Swimming, cookouts, the warmth of the sun and the great outdoors
are all part of what makes summer such a great time of year. But we
at Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad know all too well that those same
wonderful things can be dangerous, even life-threatening, without the
proper safety precautions.
Common sense is your best defense! There's safety in numbers – The
Buddy System works for all of us. Make sure you have a cell phone with a
charged battery and that children know how to dial 911. Please remember that
alcohol affects judgement, vision, balance and coordination. It does not mix well
with swimming, boating, or other activities near water.
We offer these additional tips as a guide to safe summer fun:
– Beat the Heat –
• Drink more liquid than you think you need and avoid alcohol
• Wear loose, lightweight clothing and a hat
• Avoid spending time outdoors during the hottest part of the day,
from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Wear sunscreen; sunburn affects the body's ability to cool itself
• Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion: can include severe thirst,
fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea (sometimes), profuse sweating,
clammy or pale skin, dizziness, rapid pulse and normal or slightly
elevated body temperature. Left untreated, these could lead to heat stroke,
so move anyone experiencing these symptoms to a shaded or air-conditioned
area, give them cool, non-alcoholic beverages and apply cool towels or have them
take a cool shower.
– Swim Safely –
• Don't go in the water unless you know how to swim;
swim lessons are available for all ages
• Never swim alone. Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.
• Learn CPR and rescue techniques
• Make sure the body of water matches your skill level;
more strength is needed to handle bodies of water with currents.
• Don't dive in unfamiliar areas
• Remember: Alcohol and swimming don't mix.
– Boat Safely –
• Take a safety course. The Coast Guard says 7 of 10 boating accidents are
caused by operator error. www.boat-ed.com/newjersey
• Get a free vessel safety check. Visit the Coast Guard Auxiliary website,
www.CGAux.org, and click on "Get a Vessel Safety Check."
• Remember that all combustion engines produce odorless and
colorless carbon monoxide.
– Grill Safely –
• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and
out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills
and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
– And One More Thing –
Fireworks are illegal in New Jersey, which has one of the strictest laws in
the nation. They are not worth the risk to your safety or, if you are caught using
them, your wallet!
Have a safe and happy summer! And if you're interested in protecting
the health and safety of others, please considering becoming a
volunteer EMT with Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad! Visit: www.
JoinClintonEMS.com to learn more.
These tips are based on guides provided by the National Safety Council and the
National Fire Protection Association. Visit www.nsc.org/learn/pages/safety-
events-summer-safety.aspx and www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-
topic/wildfire-and-seasonal-fires/grilling for more information.
"Being all equal and independent,
no one ought to harm another in his life,
health, liberty, or possessions."
~ John Locke, Second Treatise of Government
