Safety

As a Civil Air Patrol member, I pledge to promote an uncompromising safety environment for myself and others, and will prevent the loss of, or damage to, Civil Air Patrol assets entrusted to me. I will perform all my activities in a professional and safe manner, and will hold myself accountable for my actions in all of our Missions for America.

With Summer upon us, water sports such as swimming and boating become a favorite past-time to keep cool. As with everything else you do, water safety should be on your mind. The following tips come from the US Army Corps of Engineers and can be found at: www.watersafety.usace.army.mil/safetytips.htm.

Some of the National Water Safety tips for boating include knowing your boat and the rules of the road. It is also wise to take a safe boating course which emphasizes such things as: 1) Checking your boat for all required safety equipment 2) Considering the size of your boat and the number of passengers and equipment that will be on board. Don’t over load the boat. 3) If you will be in a power boat, checking the electrical and fuel systems. 4) Following the manufacturer’s suggested procedure before starting the engine. 5) Wearing your life jackets. 6) Leaving the alcohol behind. This is a BIG reason for many boat accidents! 7) Checking the weather forecast. 8) Filing a float plan with a member of your family or friend.

Most drowning victims had no intention of being in the water and, since most people drown within 10 to 30 feet of safety, it is important that you and your family learn to swim. Never rely on toys such as inner tubes and water wings to stay afloat. Each year approximately 6,000 people drown in the United States. Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for persons 15 to 44 years of age. Other tips to enjoy swimming include: 1) Don’t take chances by over estimating your swimming skills. 2) Swim only in designated swimming areas. 3) Never swim alone. Work to increase your safety not your risk! Enjoy your summer activities and always remember safety first!

If outdoors, go inside. Look for a shelter equipped with a lightning protection system.
Go to a low point. Lightning hits the tallest object. Get down if you are in an exposed area.
Stay away from trees.
Avoid metal. Don't hold metal items, including bats, golf clubs, fishing rods, tennis rackets or tools. Avoid clotheslines, poles and fences.
If you feel a tingling sensation or your hair stands on end, lightning may be about to strike. Crouch down and cover your ears.
Stay away from water. This includes pools, lakes, puddles and anything damp, such as wet poles or grass.
Don't stand close to other people. Spread out.
Once indoors, stay away from windows and doors.
Do not use corded telephones except for emergencies.
Unplug electronic equipment before the storm arrives and avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords during storms.
Avoid contact with plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets. Do not take baths and showers during electrical storms.
Don't forget pets during thunderstorms. Doghouses are not lightning-safe. Dogs that are chained can easily fall victim to a lightning strike.

Lightning strikes the United States as many as 20 million times each year. Because lightning traditionally causes more deaths than tornadoes or hurricanes and occurs when outdoor activity reaches a peak, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and the Lightning Protection Institute (LPI) are reminding consumers and those who work outdoors of these lightning safety guidelines.

Lack of awareness about what to do during thunderstorms seems to be a factor in many lightning injuries and deaths," noted Michael G. Clendenin, executive director of ESFI.

"Data from the National Weather Service shows that lightning strikes are fatal in approximately 10 percent of strike victims. Another 70 percent of survivors suffer serious long-term effects.

Outdoors is the most dangerous place to be during a lightning storm. Because lightning can travel sideways for up to 10 miles, blue skies are not a sign of safety. If you hear thunder, take cover. For protection in homes and buildings, consider contracting with an experienced LPI-certified lightning protection specialist to install a lightning protection system, which can intercept lightning strikes and guide the current harmlessly to the ground.

The Lightning Protection Institute (LPI) recommend following these guidelines to stay safe during electrical storms: