Focus on Fire Safety: Fireworks
Every year in the United States, we celebrate the Fourth of July with community parades, picnics, barbecues, and fireworks – the things of which happy memories are made. But sadly, Independence Day also includes tragic events resulting from fireworks use. The safest way to enjoy them is through public displays conducted by professional pyrotechnicians hired by communities. Learning fireworks safety tips can help ensure that everyone has a happy and safe summer holiday. [Read More]
Source: USFA
July 3rd, 2010
Operation Medicine Cabinet
Operation Medicine Cabinet
Help Keep Our Kids Safe!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Please take time to check your medicine cabinet and take any unused or out-of-date prescription or over-the-counter medications to one of the following locations:
VIGO COUNTY
Deming Park
Vigo County Farigrounds
SULLIVAN COUNTY
Sullivan City Park
CLAY COUNTY
St. Vincent-Clay Hospital
ALSO: St. Ann’s Clinic will accept unexpired medications for use in their free clinic.
Please contact them at 232-7447 to make arrangements.
For more information, contact Veronica Dougherty at the Junior Achievement office—(812) 232-6230.
Operation Medicine Cabinet is sponsored by: Indiana American Water, Duke Energy, Junior Achievement of the Wabash Valley, Indiana State Excise Police, Terre Haute City Police, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department, Vigo County Sheriff’s Department, Sullivan County Local Coordinating Council, Clay County Substance Abuse Council, Brazil City Police, St. Vincent-Clay Hospital, Sullivan County Solid Waste Management District, Tribune Star Newspaper, Governor’s Commission for a Drug-Free Indiana, Rally’s Hamburgers, The Ohio Building, Vigo County Local Coordinating Council, Vigo County Health Department, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, Hoosier Energy, WIN Energy, Town of Shelburn, Milburn Pharmacy, Floyd-Hunter Environmental, Sullivan County Soil & Water Conservation District, Partners 4 Resources, WBOW, Vigo County Substance Abuse Council and Union Hospital.
June 25th, 2010
Vigo County Junior Fire Camp
Vigo County Junior Fire Camp is now taking applications for the 2010 camp, scheduled for August 2, 3, and 4. The cost is $20 for each camper. Included is lunch all 3 days, a camp shirt, a DVD slideshow and a few other goodies. Camp is open to students from Vigo County who are 11 and 12 years old. For more information check out their website.
June 7th, 2010
Summer Fun
Warm weather has arrived, and people everywhere are making plans to go swimming at the local pool or lake, hike in the woods, cookout with friends, and travel. You can keep your heart and body healthy this summer while enjoying the outdoors by following some simple yet important health and safety tips.
Prevent Heat-Related Illness
- Drink more fluids, regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
- Don’t drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar as these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
- Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the upper 90s or higher, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
- Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others, including infants, young children, people age 65 and over, people who have a mental illness, and people with health conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure.
Keeping Food Safe when Grilling
- Wash hands with hot, soapy water before and after handling food.
- Keep food and drinks in separate coolers.
- Never leave perishable food out of the refrigerator for more than two hours. When the air temperature is above 90°, do not leave food out for more than one hour.
- Use clean utensils and dishes to serve food. Each dish should have its own serving utensils to avoid cross-contamination.
- Preheat cooking grills for 20-30 minutes before using.
- Allow meat to completely thaw in a refrigerator before placing on a grill.
- Marinate meat in a tightly sealed plastic container or sealable plastic bag, and keep refrigerated until ready to use. Do not reuse marinade.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meats have reached a safe, internal temperature: hamburger-160°; chicken-165°; pork-150°; steak-145°; hot dogs-140°.
- Serve grilled foods on a clean dish, not a dish used for raw meat.
- Leftovers should be refrigerated or placed in a cooler within one hour after use.
Staying Protected from the Sun
- UV rays are weakest before 11 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Plan activities during these times.
- Skin does not have to feel hot to get burned, so protect yourself even on cloudy days.
- Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater, and apply at least 20 minutes before going outside.
- Wear UVA/UVB protective sunglasses and a hat.
- Protect your arms and legs with loose fitting, tightly woven cotton clothing.
June 1st, 2010
Boating Safety
Memorial Day weekend traditionally kicks off the summer boating season. Before you use your boat for the first time this season the Law Enforcement Division of the DNR wants to suggest some safety tips to help make this a safe and enjoyable boating season.
- You should check all the equipment on the boat and make sure it is in good working order.
- You also should check your motorboat registration and make sure it is current and your new decals are in place.
- It is important that life jackets are checked to make sure that they are all in good condition. There must be a wearable life jacket for each person in the boat. If the boat is 16 feet or longer, there must be a Type IV ring buoy or seat cushion on board.
- Anytime you plan to go boating, you should tell someone of your plans. In the event of an emergency, someone will know when you are overdue and can begin a search for you.
- Keep a good anchor and line in the boat. If your boat motor quits, you can stay at anchor until help arrives.
- A signaling device will assist you in contacting another boater in the event you need help.
- Make sure your required red/green bow lights and white stern light are functioning properly. Also have a working flashlight on board.
- Operating a motorboat under the influence of alcohol carries the same penalty as operating an automobile under the influence. Make sure the operator of the boat remains alcohol free. Indiana Conservation Officers and other police agencies will be increasing patrols this summer.
May 27th, 2010
Smoke Detectors Now Available
Sugar Creek Fire Department has smoke detectors availble for free for anyone who lives in Sugar Creek Township, in Vigo County. This includes West Terre Haute and St. Mary of the Woods.
If you would like a free smoke detector contact Sugar Creek Fire Department between the hours of 8am and 3pm, Monday through Friday at 812-533-1774 and make an appointment for a fire department representative to visit your home and install it for you.
Limit of 1 smoke detector per home.
May 6th, 2010
April is 9-1-1 Education Month
Know WHEN to call 9-1-1
9-1-1 is for emergencies only. You should only be dialing 9-1-1 if someone is hurt or in danger, or if you are in immediate need of police, fire, or medical assistance. If you aren’t sure if your situation is an emergency, you should err on the side of safety and call 9-1-1 and let the expert who answers your call make the decision whether to send help or not.
Know WHEN NOT to call 9-1-1
Don’t call 9-1-1 just because you burned dinner and your guests are arriving any minute, or because you are late for a meeting and need help finding an address. While those situations may count as emergencies for you, they aren’t for public safety. Inappropriate use of the 9-1-1 system wastes resources and ties up the lines at the 9-1-1 center, and nobody wants to be on hold when they are in the middle of a real crisis. Not to mention that in most states harassing or making prank calls to 9-1-1 is a crime, and you don’t want law enforcement showing up at your door.
The National Emergency Number Association has developed a guide to help you understand how the 9-1-1 systems operates.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erj1-nNGRTw
April 2nd, 2010
Open Burning
If you plan to burn brush and other dead vegetation this Spring be cautious and ensure you are compliant with the county burn ordinance.
March 7th, 2010
Is Your Address Visible?
Is your address clearly marked? How about your neighbor’s address? Valuable time is wasted when we can’t find a house because the address isn’t marked. Sign kits are inexpensive and can be purchased at most home improvement stores.
March 3rd, 2010
