Window Safety:
An open window is an open
invitation to a child and could spell danger. With the warmer weather finally heading our way, many
Manitobans will be cranking open their windows to take advantage of the fresh
air.
However if you have small
children living in your suite(s), you may want to consider installing mechanical
safety devices on your apartment windows to prevent them from opening more than
10 centimeters (4 inches). You should also check that all existing devices are in good
working order.
Keep in mind that if your remove
or disable these safety devices, you may endanger the lives of children living
in your suite(s) or those who visit your apartment(s).
Never rely on window screens to
prevent a child from falling out a window.
They are designed solely to keep bugs out, not children in.
Some other worthwhile window
safety tips are:
·
Install window safety
devices on all windows 2 meters (6 1/2 feet) above the ground.
· Advise residents to place cribs, beds and other furniture well away from the window.
· Advise residents to keep chairs and other objects that a child may climb on, away from the railings of balconies.
·
Advise residents to
always supervise children on balconies.
Kids & Kites:
...go together like PB & J,
but when kids and kites meet power lines, you have a situation that is more than
a little sticky! Here are some tips
for keeping your children safe this summer:
·
Fly kites only in an
open field, far away from power lines and transmission towers.
There should not be a line or tower in sight.
·
Busy streets or
highways are no places for kite flying.
·
At the first sign of
storm clouds, thunder or lightning, it is time to head indoors.
·
Do not try to remove
or untangle any kites caught in power lines or on utility poles.
Call Manitoba Hydro at 474-3233 to take care of the problem.
·
Use only completely
dry kite string and NEVER use wire to fly a kite.
·
If you are making a
kite, do not use any metal (e.g. aluminum for the frame) in the construction.
Line Location - Call
Before You Dig:
Building a fence?
Planning a project that involves digging on your property?
One call to Manitoba Hydro will ensure you receive clearances for a safe
dig.
They will check your property for
both natural gas and hydro lines to make sure it is safe for you to dig.
The service is free, but you must
allow 48 hours notice. Also,
remember to contact other utilities (e.g. telephone and cable) before you dig.
In Winnipeg, contact 480-1212.
Danger...High Voltage:
Every year people are injured or
killed near electrical installations, like transformer stations, utility poles
and padmount transformers.
Maybe they were trying to
retrieve a ball that fell behind the substation fence.
Maybe they climbed the fence on a dare.
Maybe they thought it would be fun to use utility pole insulators for
target practice. Or maybe children
were playing hide-and-seek behind the padmount transformers.
Whatever the situation, it is
important to remember that our bodies act just like conductors for electrical
current. If you see unauthorized
person(s) in, on or around substations, utility poles or transformers, warn them
of the dangers and ask them to vacate the area.
If you see that a padmount
transformer box or lock that has been damaged or tampered with, contact Manitoba
Hydro immediately.
Outdoor Pool Safety:
For properties that have access
to outdoor pools, there are a number of dangers that are preventable by using a
little knowledge, common sense and preventative maintenance.
All children must be accompanied
by an adult when playing in or around a pool.
Drowning can occur in seconds and in as little as two inches of water.
Encourage inexperienced swimmers to use floatation devices or PFDs.
Remind all swimmers and/or
sunbathers to use sunblock, to limit their exposure to the sun and to consume
lots of water to replace fluids lost through perspiration.
Enforce “No Running on Pool
Deck” and “No horseplay” rules for the safety and pleasure of all pool
goers.
Have your pool chlorine and
filter systems checked annually to ensure they are operating at peak
performance.
Make sure that all water in-take
and return valves have proper covers/flaps and replace any that are damaged or
missing to prevent injury.
Ensure that all fences, gates and
locks are in good working condition around your pool, with hours and rules of
use clearly posted in several locations.
Summer is a time for fun in the
sun. Please make sure it stays that
way by being responsible, keeping your eyes & ears open and
preventing/repairing problems before injuries occur.