Slow Down, Watch Out! Kids Ahead. Back to School Safety Tips

ASBURY PARK- - - Children across the area are heading back to school and the Asbury Park Fire Department is asking drivers to exercise extra caution as the school year begins. “Safety is our top priority. With schools back in session, drivers should allow extra time and be on the look-out for kids at intersections and in roadways. Additionally, as a matter of safety and compliance with laws, drivers are reminded to put their cell phones down and refrain from talking or texting while driving.

For Drivers

• Be alert and slow down. Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Put down your phone and don’t talk or text while driving. 
• Exercise extra caution as you head out to work and be on the lookout for school buses. Many bus routes or schedules change each year and you may encounter a school bus or stop where you may have never seen one before. Be alert. For many children this may be the first time they have ever traveled on a bus.
• Each passenger should wear a seat belt and/or ride in an age and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat. Children of all ages are safest when properly restrained in the backseat.
• Take extra time when making a right turn on a red light. This can be a dangerous situation for pedestrians.
• School Zones: Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and around schools. Be alert to children as you back out of your driveway or exit your garage.
• Expect delays near schools, plan ahead and allow extra time to reach your destination.

• Safety on the road is especially important for “new” drivers that may be driving to school for the first time.
  

Reminders for Parents and Children 

• Be realistic about your child’s pedestrian skills. Children are not always aware of their surroundings and may dart into traffic assuming drivers will see and stop for them. Carefully consider whether your child is ready to walk to school or wait for the bus without adult supervision and walk the route with your child beforehand.
• Children often have a hard time judging speed and distance and should cross the street with an adult until they are at least 10 years old. Teach children to always cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks and look left, right and left again before crossing.
• If traveling to school by bike, obey the rules of the road and wear a helmet! Not only is it the smart thing to do, it is also the law in New Jersey.
• Be sure that your child knows his or her phone number and address, your work number and when to call 911 for emergencies.
• Only drive or park in authorized areas when picking up or dropping off students at school.
• Be a good neighbor. Respect private property and always be on your best behavior while waiting for the bus. 

School Bus Safety – What Motorists Should Know 

All motorists are required by law to stop when the red lights on buses are flashing. Passing a school bus when the red lights are flashing is not only illegal it is also one of the biggest threats to student safety. Motorists should be aware that the red flashing lights and the stop sign may be engaged shortly after the amber lights are on. Vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus are always required to stop. In New Jersey the law states that vehicles must come to a complete stop on both sides of the roadway if there is no physical divider or barrier. Violations can result in a citation and fine. 

Home Alone
Parents need to carefully consider the pros and cons of having a child stay home alone before/after school. Be familiar with laws and child protective policies and, because children mature at different rates, your decision should not be based on age alone. Children should master important safety skills before staying home alone. Be sure to make and practice a home fire escape plan that includes a designated “safe” area outside where everyone will meet if the smoke alarm sounds and ensure they know when and how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Unattended cooking continues to be a leading cause of home fires and firefighters strongly recommend having after school snacks on hand that do not require cooking. Children should only use kitchen appliances while under close adult supervision.

Why Flexible Hose Connectors Should Have Thermal Gas Shutoffs

Most home gas appliances connect to black iron gas lines and manual gas shutoffs with flexible hoses. The weakest link in the gas supply to the appliance is the flexible hose, which is only rated up to 150° F.

When a fire occurs near the hose, it can easily be compromised – and if it is damaged, the resulting gas leak can feed and accelerate the fire.
For this reason, many countries require automatic thermal gas shutoffs be installed between the black pipe and the flexible hose.

The U.S. building codes require gas appliances to include manual gas shutoff valves. Adding a simple, inexpensive thermal gas shutoff fitting with the valve provides a level of safety that the manual valve alone cannot provide.

The diagram above illustrates the advantages of a gas installation with a thermal gas shutoff. Thermal gas shutoffs protect homeowners and first responders by isolating gas flow from the flexible hoses, which are typically rated at only 150°F. Manual shutoff valves are rated at 300°F, and the FireBag is rated at 1,697°F. With most home fires originating at the stove or gas range, adding this small thermal shutoff fitting to the gas line pays back in preserving lives and property.

According to NFIRS data, between 2008 and 2010, civilian fire casualties in residential buildings accounted for 81% of all fire fatalities. In that same time period, the highest rate of civilian fire fatalities came from appliance fires. Appliance fires produced 1,351 fatalities per 1,000 fatal fires, which tells us that multiple deaths occur in too many appliance fires.

APFD Firefighters Stress Hot Weather Safety

With the arrival of peak Summer temperatures on the Jersey Shore, the Asbury Park Fire Department suggests that you:

• Minimize the risks of hot weather.
• Prepare your household, pets and workplace.
• Plan to get relief from and avoid the effects of heat.

Plan to wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing that covers as much of your skin as practical, and a well-ventilated hat with a wide brim - or carry an umbrella. Wear plenty of sunblock and stay in the shade whenever possible.

Adjust your attire and activities to limit heat exposure and exertion!

Water is normally the best drink during hot weather, and you'll need more than you think. If you have a medical condition or are under a doctor's care, consult with a physician.

Drinks with alcohol or caffeine can make the heat's effect on your body much worse. Avoid salt tablets unless directed by a doctor, and plan on eating light, healthy meals.

Key Rules: Drink plenty of water before you become thirsty and rest in the shade before you become tired!

If you feel ill, tell someone immediately. Symptoms of dehydration and heat illness may include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, nausea, muscle cramps, headache and vomiting.

Many heat emergencies occur to people exercising, working or staying alone. Use a buddy system and check on elderly, disabled or at-risk neighbors on a regular basis. If you suspect someone is experiencing a medical emergency from extreme heat exposure, call 9-1-1.

If your home does not have air conditioning, consider a cool place to visit or stay during the hottest part of the day.

Schools, libraries, theaters, shopping malls and community facilities such as senior centers and parks may offer an air-conditioned refuge. If activated by officials during peak temperatures, designated cooling centers in Asbury Park can be found by calling 732-437-6000.

Pets, are also susceptible to hot weather. See that the special needs of your animals are met, including copious shade and plenty of cool water.

Never leave children, pets or dependent adults alone in a hot car. Even with the windows down, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can quickly rise to lethal levels.

Learn more about hot weather safety at:





emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat

Children, Hot Weather & Cars = Danger!

During hot weather - and throughout the year, the Asbury Park Fire Department asks you to consider some important safety tips for vehicles and children.


We need your help to make sure that no child dies needlessly by being left alone in a hot vehicle.

• Always put something you'll need - such as your phone, handbag, a sunshade, lunch or briefcase on the floor in the back seat. This will make you open the back door of your vehicle every time you reach a destination. This way, making sure no child is left behind becomes a habit. Safety experts call this the 'Look Before You Lock' campaign.

• Keep a large teddy bear in the child's car seat when it’s not occupied. When the child is placed in the seat, put the teddy bear in the front passenger seat. It's a great visual reminder that anytime the teddy bear is up front, a child is secured in a child safety seat behind you!

• Make arrangements with your child’s day care center or babysitter that you will always call them when your child will not be there on a particular day as scheduled. This is not only common courtesy, but makes sure everyone involved in the care of your child is informed of their whereabouts. Ask these caregivers to always phone you if your child doesn’t show up when expected.

• If you see a child (dependent adult or pet) alone in a hot vehicle, get involved. If they are hot or seem sick, get them out as quickly and safely as possible. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number for assistance as necessary.

• Never leave your car keys where children can access them, and always make sure your car is locked so that children cannot get in without adult supervision.

• Do not underestimate a child's capabilities. Teach your children about the dangers of a car, especially the car trunk. Most children can differentiate between a tool and a toy. Make certain they know that a car is not a toy!

For additional information about child and hot weather vehicle safety:

• safercar.gov/heatstroke
• kidsandcars.org
• safekids.org
• http://ggweather.com/heat/
• CDC Hot Weather Safety Information

Several Product Recalls Due to Fire and Shock Hazard

Usually, we post Consumer Product Safety Commission recalls on our Twitter and Facebook pages.  Every once in a while, they put out a whole lot at once and it is best to put them all here on our blog in one spot.

In this instance, a lot of fire related recalls.  Please take a moment and click on the links below to learn more and see if you possibly have one of these potentially dangerous products in your home.  If you do immediately take the steps recommended.

PajamaGram Recalls Children's Pajamas Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard

Children's Pajamas Recalled by Ishtex Textile Products Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard

Children's Lounge Pants and Boxers Recalled by Rigo International Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard

IKEA Recalls Track Lighting System Due to Electric Shock Hazard

Watkins Manufacturing and Therm Products Recall Spas Due to Fire Hazard

Exhaust Fans Sold at Lowe's Stores Recalled Due to Fire Hazard; Made by Delta Electronics Dongguan

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Another scorcher today!  Over the last couple of weeks, we at Asbury Park Fire Dept. have preached to everyone to stay cool and stay hydrated.  Hopefully, everyone will be able to do that.


Just in case, We thought it would be useful to post the signs and symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke.  Warning signs can vary among individuals but common signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke may include: 

Heat Exhaustion:

• Heavy sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Pulse rate: fast and weak
• Breathing: fast and shallow
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Headache and/or dizziness 

Heat Stroke:

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees)
• The absence of sweating
• Rapid pulse 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Throbbing headache
• Strange behavior and/or hallucinations
• Confusion, agitation and disorientation
• Unconscious                             

If you recognize that you, or someone else, is showing signs of a heat-related illness, stop the activity immediately, find a cool place to rest, hydrate and seek medical attention if necessary.


Remember, Heat Stroke is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY that can be fatal if not treated promptly.  Call 911 right away if you suspect Heat Stroke.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 1, 2012      State of emergency still in effect Only Middletown HS North giving out water Monday Conservation efforts helped lift the boil water advisory in 18 towns    MIDDLETOWN, NJ – With the boil water advisory reduced to just four towns, only one water distribution site – Middletown High School North – will open on Monday. Hours at the school, located at 63 Tindall Rd., are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This afternoon, the New Jersey American Water Company in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the county’s Office of Emergency Management removed the boil water advisory in 18 of the 22 towns that have been under a boil water advisory since Friday. Only residents in Aberdeen, Highlands, Holmdel and Middletown should continue to boil their water. Limit remains at one case per car.   “I want to commend residents throughout Monmouth County because it was through their effort to conserve water that enabled New Jersey American Water Co. to lift the advisory for 18 of the 22 towns affected,” Freeholder Director Jon P. Curley said. “But we are not out of the woods yet. It is still critically important to continue conserving water in order to keep the restriction off.” The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders declared a state of emergency Friday afternoon following the collapse of three large water pipes at New Jersey American Water Co.’s water treatment plant at the Swimming River Reservoir. The ongoing water emergency means that: All New Jersey American Water Company customers are under mandatory water restriction that bans all outdoor water use and encourages indoor water conservation. It is illegal to water your lawn, shrubs or gardens, fill swimming pools and wash cars. Indoor conservation measures include refraining from using washing machines and dishwashers, limiting showering times and flushing toilets less frequently. Outdoor water conservation is highly encouraged by residents of the 31 towns not directly impacted by the water emergency.  “The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office is working with local law enforcement agencies to ensure that the outdoor water ban is strictly enforced in areas serviced by New Jersey American Water Co.,” Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden said.    Three large water pipes at New Jersey American Water Co. broke around noon Friday, causing a reduction or total loss of water pressure or supply. Other water companies have been rerouting water to New Jersey American Water Co. customers, but not enough to meet normal demand. “That’s why it is so important to conserve water regardless of what utility you receive your water from,” Monmouth County Emergency Management Coordinator Michael Oppegaard said. Additionally, New Jersey American Water Co. recommends the customers in the four towns still under the boil water advisory take the following steps: ·         Water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute then cooled prior to using; ·         Keep water that has been boiled in the refrigerator for drinking; ·         Rinse hand-washed dishes for a minute in diluted bleach (one tablespoon of household bleach per gallon of tap water) or clean your dishes in a dishwasher using the hot wash cycle and dry cycle.   ·         Do not swallow water while you are showering or bathing; ·         Provide pets with boiled water after cooling; ·         Do not use home filtering devices in place of boiling or using bottled water; most home water filters will not provide adequate protection from microorganisms, and ·         Use only boiled water to treat minor injuries. #     #     #