June 2007

Personal Safety: Sun Protection

As beach season begins, it is important to remember that the sun can be harmful. Protect yourself by following these steps:

• Limit direct sun exposure during midday (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.).
• Cover up with long clothing.
• Wear a hat.
• Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
• Wear sunglasses that block UV rays.
• Avoid sunlamps and tanning booths.
• Check your skin regularly.

For more sun safety tips, visit the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.

Current Topic: BBQ Safety

As we begin the unofficial start of summer, it is important to keep in mind these simple safety steps when you BBQ.

• Make sure the grill is at least 10 feet away from your house, garage, or trees.
• Store and use your grill on a large, flat surface that cannot burn (i.e. concrete or asphalt).
• Don't use grills in a garage, porch, deck or on top of anything that can catch on fire.
• Have a fire extinguisher, a garden hose attached to a water supply, or at least 16-quarts of water close by in case of a fire.
• Use long handled barbecue tools and/or flame resistant mitts.
• Never use any flammable liquid other than a barbecue starter fluid to start or freshen a fire.
• Never pour or squirt starter fluid onto an open flame. The flame can easily flashback along the fluid's path to the container in your hands.
• Keep alcoholic beverages away from the grill. They are flammable!
• Never leave the grill unattended.
• Keep your grill clean and free of grease buildup that may lead to a fire.
• Never store liquid or pressurized fuels inside your home and/or near any possible sources of flame.

For more information, visit the New York City Fire Department website at http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/safety/barbeque.shtml