Newtown Departments Team Up On Summer Safety Campaign

By John Voket

This is the first of a summertime series on safety featuring targeted messages from a number of Newtown agencies that individually play a role in helping keep the community safe year-round.

Vacations, “staycations,” daylight that lingers well into the evening — whatever one’s pleasures or plans, summer is bound to give Newtowners some time to enjoy all the positives and possibilities the season holds.

But along with having fun, a raft of Newtown agency heads want to remind residents that it is important to keep a “Safety Mindset.”

Police Chief Michael Kehoe reminds residents and visitors to town that residents are out en masse in the community walking, hiking, bicycling, dog-walking, carriage pushing, and with limited sidewalks.

His best advice is to be mindful of one’s surroundings and moving safely while interacting with the motoring public.

Representing various age groups in town, Judy Blanchard, Prevention Council co-chair and school health coordinator, and Marilyn Place, Senior Center director, emphasize protection from summer sun and heat and urge anyone out in the sun to protect themselves — wear a wide-brimmed hat, use sunscreen, seek shade or air-conditioning when its blazing hot, and drink plenty of water.

It is always a good idea to make frequent checks on family, friends, and neighbors when summer heat waves grip the community, according to Ms Place.

Ms Blanchard also joins Health District Director Donna Culbert chanting the never-ending mantra about protecting one’s self and one’s family from tick bites.

“Understand the risk, where the buggers hang out, how to protect yourself with clothing and repellent, and do a tick check every single day,” Ms Culbert advises. The Health District staff also knows there are plenty of picnics, and that means grilling.

“But keep the food safe — store cold foods at less than 45 degrees and keep hold hot foods hot. That means more than 140 degrees,” Ms Culbert said. “It’s also important to cook to the correct temperatures. That means cooking ground meats and poultry to at least 165 degrees; beef, pork, and fish to at least 145 degrees, and wash hands often.”

Sandy Hook Fire & Rescue Chief and Fire Marshal Bill Halstead is always concerned about fire safety — whether grilling or watching fireworks.

When grilling, the fire marshal advises to be sure propane grill tanks and connections are safe; use caution with lighter fluid; dispose of coals properly; and never grill in an enclosed area. Residents should also seek out and attend legal, public fireworks displays — leaving the pyrotechnics to the pros.

“If you are doing fireworks at home, do them only if they are legal and be sure to read the directions,” Chief Halstead advises. “Never light store-bought fireworks indoors or near dry vegetation. Always have water/fire extinguisher ready. And always supervise children; even sparklers can cause serious injuries, and they can certainly start a serious fire.”

Parks & Recreation Director Amy Mangold is a huge fan of skateboarding and bicycling. And she knows that skateboarders and cyclists need to be conscious of traffic, cars and pedestrians; should always wear a helmet and protective gear; and skate/ride responsibly.

Building Inspector John Poeltl and Ms Mangold also want folks thinking about pool and swimming safety.

“Pools need to be fenced and it’s important to check the lock on the gate; often winter freezing and settling can disable a gate lock,” according to the building inspector. “Also be sure to check the batteries in the pool alarm and be sure to put it in the pool when not in use.”

Ms Mangold advises residents to never swim alone and be aware of water depth.

“Wear a life jacket if you don’t know how to swim or are not a strong swimmer,” she said. And Ms Culbert says regardless of where you swim, do not swallow the water.

Look for new targeted summer safety messages and tips, which will be published regularly throughout the summer of 2012 on The Newtown Bee’s Health Page, and under the features tab at newtownbee.com.