In the Community

Debris Burning
It is advisable that homeowners contact their local fire official prior to burning debris on their property. In some municipalities burn permits are required for burning.
  • If possible, burn in a container utilizing a screen cover.
  • Depending on the amount, a cleared area of at least 10 feet should surround the debris pile.
  • Avoid burning if windy and/or dry conditions exists.
  • Never leave a fire unattended.
  • Secure a water source such as a garden hose or a shovel or rake in close proximity of the debris to be burned. 
  • It is a good idea to refrain from burning until the local vegetation has turned green.
Halloween Safety
  • Give and accept wrapped or packaged candy only
  • Have children bring treats home for adult inspection before they are eaten
  • An adult should accompany younger children
  • Go out in daylight and carry a flashlight in case of delay
  • Stay within your neighborhood; only visit homes you know
  • Use make-up or face paint instead of masks.  If masks are used, make sure the child has good visibility
  • Make sure costumes are flame-retardant and sized to fit the child
  • Put reflective tape on costumes
  • Watch for vehicle traffic and use caution when crossing the street
  • Drive slowly all evening
  • Keep costumed children away from pets. The pets may not recognize the child and become frightened.
Lightning Safety
Summer is the peak time for Americans to be active outdoors, so it is also the time for them to be most aware of the dangers of lightning.

"The rule is, 'When thunder roars, go indoors,'" Mary Ann Cooper, director of the lightning injury research program at the University of Illinois at Chicago, said in a prepared statement. "Decisions about lightning safety must be made by the individual, but education can help people reduce their chances of being struck by lightning."

About 50 Americans are struck and killed by lightning every year, with the summer months being the time when the most lightning-related injuries occur, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

"Most people seriously underestimate the risk of being struck and do not know when or where to take shelter," said Cooper, who works closely with NOAA's National Weather Service in its annual lightning education program. Lightning can hit even before the rain starts, striking as far as 10 miles away from the rain portion of a thunderstorm, she said.

Here are some tips to improve your odds:

  • While planning outdoor activities, be aware of what shelter is available nearby in the event you hear thunder. A house, school or large building is preferred. About 98 percent of lightning strike fatalities occurred outdoors, according to NOAA data.
  • Once inside, keep away from phones (cell phones are fine), computers and other electronics pulling electricity into the structure. If lightning does enter a facility, it often does so through the electrical, phone, plumbing and radio/television reception systems, so stay away from these during storms. "Surprisingly, hard-wired phone use is the leading cause of indoor lightning injuries in the United States," Cooper said.
  • If you can't get inside a structure during a storm, get into a hardtop car, bus or truck. Never go under a tree. About 25 percent of lightning strike fatalities occurred when the person was under a tree, according to NOAA data.
  • Wait 30 minutes after the last crack of thunder or flash of lightning before resuming activities.

Even surviving a lightning strike can leave you with permanent health issues, including chronic pain, brain injury and thought-processing problems, said Cooper, who is considered the leading international expert on lightning-strike injuries.

For more information visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's web site. 

ATV/Snowmobile Safety

There are many similarities between operating a snowmobile or an ATV and drving an automobile.  Riders should always drvie defensively.  Be alert for what is up ahead on the trail whether it is another rider, some wildlife, or even a tree branch in the middle of the trail.  Riders should expect to see these things and not be surprised by them.  Always traveling on the right side of the trail is one way to help this.  Riders can avoid having to make quick evasive turns when they already leave room for an oncoming vehicle to pass.  Turns in the trail are the worst place to encounter this.  Try to avoid cutting off the corners making sure that there is plenty of room ofr both vehicles to pass.

Alcohol doesn't mix with operation of any type of motorized vehicle.  Some people may not realize this bur a person can be charged with operating an ATV or snowmobile while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance.  Operating a snowmobile or ATV after just one drink could be enough to be charged with a violation.

Another safety measure that should be followed is to not ride alone (not riding double).  Traveling with another person or in a group can help if an accident does occur or if there is just equipment failure.  When riding with other, always keep track of the person behind you.  If you no longer see them - stop!  This should cause a chain reaction with the group.  At intersections in the trail, make sure that everyone makes the correct turn.

Finally, always wear appropriate protective clothing including a helmet and eye protection.

Last updated by btvfd on 3/26/2009