California Summer Safety Guide 2019

CALIFORNIA — Preparing for wildfires has become an important task for residents of California and a new wrinkle was added this year when major utilities, blamed for the deadliest and costliest wildfires in state history, announced that residents should prepare for major power outages when wildfire conditions peak.

Citing a report released this year by Gov. Gavin Newsom's strike force on wildfire issues, the utility companies say more than 25 million acres of California wildlands are classified as under very high or extreme fire threat, and 25 percent of the state's population - 11 million people - live in that high-risk area.

The energy companies — PG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric and Southern California Edison — will turn off power to fire prone areas during extreme weather as a safety precaution, and residents should expect the public safety power shutoff could last multiple days. Expect the blackout during Red Flag Warnings from the National Weather Service, low humidity, dry vegetation and conditions on the ground.

That means no electricity for your air conditioner, refrigerator, medical devices or electronics.

>>Also See: Utility Companies Prepare Customers For Power Outages

If you live in an area prone to wildfires, you need to prepare your home.

Safety Tips:
Your best chance of saving your home from wildfire is to take precautions now. These tips are from the National Fire Protection Association--

• CLEAR leaves and other vegetative debris from roofs, gutters, porches and decks. This helps prevent embers from igniting your home.
• REMOVE dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet of the house.
• SCREEN in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.
• REMOVE flammable materials (wood piles, propane tanks) within 30 feet of your home's foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don't let it touch your house, deck or porch.
• PRUNE trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
• KEEP your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire. Don't let debris and lawn cuttings linger.
• DISPOSE of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.
• INSPECT shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair the shingles that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration.
• COVER exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks from entering the home.
• ENCLOSE eaves and screen soffit vents using 1/8 mesh metal screening to prevent ember entry.

>>Also See: Wildfire Prep Guide Released

Water:

Few things are more refreshing than a swim on a hot day. Whether in a swimming pool, the ocean, a lake or stream--water on a hot summer day is alluring. Unfortunately, it can also be deadly. According to California Department of Public Health Vital Statistics, an average of 51 people drown in California each year. The majority of those deaths, 31, are in swimming pools.

Safety Tips:
These safety tips are from the American Red Cross —

• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
• Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child's life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
• Maintain constant supervision.
• Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and learn-to-swim courses.
• If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers. Many children who drown in home pools were out of sight for less than five minutes and in the care of one or both parents at the time.
• If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
• Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.
• Know how and when to call 911 or the local emergency number.

Remember, drowning is silent.

Hot Cars:

California has reported tragedies in the past, of children who've died after being left in a hot car.
If it's 95 degrees outside, the temperature in your car can soar to 114 degrees in 10 minutes.
Safety tips:

• Remember to "look before you lock" and don't leave your children or pets inside your vehicle.
• If you see a child or pet left alone in a car in the heat, you should call 911 immediately.
• It is legal in California to break a vehicle's window to rescue a child or pet from a hot car.

Snake Bites:

Hikers must always be cautious of rattlesnakes in California. But, depending on your neighborhood and how close it is to wild spaces, you may also encounter a dangerous snake in your own backyard. The National Institutes of Health reports an average of 221 poisonous snakebites in California each year. The good news — the fatality rate is a minuscule "less than one-half of one per cent." The lesson, clearly, is to seek medical help immediately.

Safety tips:

• If you see a snake, stop and keep your distance. Give the snake plenty of room to get away.
• When hiking, wear heavy boots that are four inches above the ankle, and long pants.
• In hot weather, snakes seek cool areas. Always watch where you step and be sure to look for snakes in areas of high brush, under logs and when stepping over logs, or fallen trees.
• In cool weather, snakes seek warmer areas. Be observant for snakes sunning on rocks or trails, especially during the cooler times of day.
• NEVER try to touch a snake or scare it away; give the snake space and back away to a safe place.
• Leash your dog when hiking in snake country, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife advises. Dogs are at increased risk of being bitten due to holding their nose to the ground while investigating the outdoors. Speak to your veterinarian about canine rattlesnake vaccines. Take your dog to the vet immediately, if it is bitten.

Lemonade Stand Legality:

Has your child asked if they can host a lemonade stand and you just didn't know if it was legal? Here is the latest for 2019, and some great lemonade recipes, as well.

Read: How To Host A Lemonade Stand In California

Also See:
Top 10 Ranking: San Francisco's Park System