#FDNYSmart Spring Safety Tips!

Hi Friends!  It’s Siren your FDNY life safety mascot here.   The doggone days of winter seem to be leaving and spring is in the air.  The flowers are blooming and we are all shedding the winter blues.  It is time to get out there and enjoy the season, but don’t forget to practice these easy spring season safety tips and stay #FDNYSmart.

If You Haven’t Done So Already: Spring Forward and Change Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Batteries

Friends, you may notice the days are getting longer since we changed our clocks last month.  One rule of thumb is to change your smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries at the same time as you change your clock.  This ensures you change your battery twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring.  Statistics say that a working smoke alarm cuts your chances of dying in a fire nearly in half.   So if you haven’t done so already, get to it!  Also don’t forget to read more about the importance of smoke alarms in your home and how it can save your life.  

Safety While Spring Cleaning

It’s time to dust off the cobwebs. Your grownup may be ready to start that spring cleaning.  It is always fun to be a good helper.  Just remember, stay away from cleaning products.  That is only something adults should handle.  Also, don’t mix cleaning products!  For example, when ammonia and bleach are combined the results can be deadly.  According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), about 2.4 million kids swallow or have contact with a poisonous substance each year.  It is probably a good idea to put the number for the Poison Center on your fridge in case of an emergency.  The number is 1-800-222-1222.

Use Your Head, Wear a Helmet

With the sun shining, we’re all getting on our bikes and scooters.  It is great exercise and fun.  But don’t forget to practice some important safety habits.  According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), many injuries can be prevented or reduced if wearing protective equipment like a helmet.  The CDC says helmets can prevent 85 percent of head injuries.   When buying a helmet, don’t forget that it should be approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.   To learn more about helmet safety guidelines, click here.

Playing It Safe: Tips on Playground Safety

The park or playground is the perfect place to explore, move and run.  But your fun can be ruined if you get hurt.  Here are a couple of easy tips to help you stay safe.

• Make sure you can see your grownup at all times.
• Stay on equipment that is age appropriate and don’t be afraid to ask your grownup for help. Note that playgrounds are often designed for different age ranges, one for younger children and one for older children.  Make sure to stay in the area you are most comfortable.
• Check that the ground is free of hazards such as trash or broken glass.
• Make sure to dress appropriately to play. Remove anything that could get caught in the equipment.

If you want to read more about playground safety, click here. 

The Spring Stinger

More outdoor time means you’ll be around more bugs.  One insect you might want to avoid is a bee.  If you’ve ever been stung by a bee, you know it can be painful, and even dangerous if you are allergic to them.  The best is to take preventative measures to reduce your risk of being stung by a bee and to know what to do if it happens.  You can read more tips about bee sting safety here.

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope these easy Smart Barks safety tips will keep you #FDNYSmart this spring.  Stay tuned to next month when we talk about a very special birthday, mine!

Remember you can help keep your family safe by checking out all of our tips on fdnysmart.org.  Plus be sure to follow us on Twitter!  You can find Hot Dog and Siren here.