thedrifter
05-24-09, 08:06 AM
Experts call for common sense on summer safety
By Cindy Fisher, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Sunday, May 25, 2009
OKINAWA — A little common sense can go a long way toward preventing the accidents and injuries common during summer, military safety experts on Okinawa say.
From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, the most common preventable injuries seen at the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa on Camp Lester are heat stress and heat stroke, said Randall L. Stallings, the hospital’s safety manager.
The key is to stay hydrated and pay attention to the flag conditions, a heat index system that lets people know what type of exercise is safe on a given day, safety inspector Jai Wu said.
You should also pay attention to your body for signs of heat stress, such as nausea, headache or dizziness. If any of those occur, stop exercising and drink water, Stallings said.
Those new to the Pacific region should give themselves time to acclimate to the high humidity, he said.
Outdoors, people should always wear sunscreen, even on a cloudy day, said Shizuka Panarella, a hospital safety inspector.
For those headed to the beach, Stallings urges common sense when drinking alcohol. Remember to drink water to stay hydrated. However, don’t go into the water after drinking alcohol, he said, as judgment will be impaired.
A lot of accidents can happen around the home, too, said Camp Foster-based Shawn Curtis, safety expert for Marine Corps Bases Japan.
When mowing the yard, first clear the lawn of rocks, twigs and other matter that could be slung from the mower, he said.
"Rocks can shoot out of a lawn mower like a bullet," Curtis said.
Barbecuing is another popular summer activity, and grilling safety tips include never leaving a grill unattended and keeping children away from the cooking area, Curtis said.
Only use approved lighter fluid to start grills, Curtis said. Do not use fluids such as gasoline or WD-40, something that troops have done in the past, Curtis said.
During summer, people are outside more, which increases the likelihood of meeting wildlife, Curtis and Stallings said.
On Okinawa alone, there are many poisonous animals, such as four species of habu snakes, blue-ringed octopus, lionfish, sea snakes, cone shells, marine catfish, crown-of-thorn stars, stingrays and box jellyfish.
The best guideline is to simply leave the wildlife alone, safety experts agreed. Even dead creatures may still be able to poison you, Panarella warned.
If bitten by something that could be poisonous, the best thing to do is stay calm and immediately seek medical attention, Stallings said.
Being safe this summer is "about using good judgment and common sense," Curtis said.
Heat warnings
Green Flag: Temperatures are between 80 and 84.9 degrees. Most physical activity is acceptable, but use discretion when planning heavy exercise if you are new to the Pacific.
Yellow Flag: Temperatures are between 85 and 87.9 degrees. Avoid holding outdoor classes. New personnel will not participate in heavy exercise during their first three weeks in the area.
Red Flag: Temperatures are between 88 and 89.9 degrees. No heavy exercise for any personnel who have been in the area for less than 12 weeks. Those who are acclimatized may continue limited activity for no more than six hours a day.
Black Flag: Temperatures are above 90 degrees. Outdoor physical activity for all nonessential personnel is suspended.
SOURCE: U.S. Marine Corps
Ellie
By Cindy Fisher, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Sunday, May 25, 2009
OKINAWA — A little common sense can go a long way toward preventing the accidents and injuries common during summer, military safety experts on Okinawa say.
From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, the most common preventable injuries seen at the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa on Camp Lester are heat stress and heat stroke, said Randall L. Stallings, the hospital’s safety manager.
The key is to stay hydrated and pay attention to the flag conditions, a heat index system that lets people know what type of exercise is safe on a given day, safety inspector Jai Wu said.
You should also pay attention to your body for signs of heat stress, such as nausea, headache or dizziness. If any of those occur, stop exercising and drink water, Stallings said.
Those new to the Pacific region should give themselves time to acclimate to the high humidity, he said.
Outdoors, people should always wear sunscreen, even on a cloudy day, said Shizuka Panarella, a hospital safety inspector.
For those headed to the beach, Stallings urges common sense when drinking alcohol. Remember to drink water to stay hydrated. However, don’t go into the water after drinking alcohol, he said, as judgment will be impaired.
A lot of accidents can happen around the home, too, said Camp Foster-based Shawn Curtis, safety expert for Marine Corps Bases Japan.
When mowing the yard, first clear the lawn of rocks, twigs and other matter that could be slung from the mower, he said.
"Rocks can shoot out of a lawn mower like a bullet," Curtis said.
Barbecuing is another popular summer activity, and grilling safety tips include never leaving a grill unattended and keeping children away from the cooking area, Curtis said.
Only use approved lighter fluid to start grills, Curtis said. Do not use fluids such as gasoline or WD-40, something that troops have done in the past, Curtis said.
During summer, people are outside more, which increases the likelihood of meeting wildlife, Curtis and Stallings said.
On Okinawa alone, there are many poisonous animals, such as four species of habu snakes, blue-ringed octopus, lionfish, sea snakes, cone shells, marine catfish, crown-of-thorn stars, stingrays and box jellyfish.
The best guideline is to simply leave the wildlife alone, safety experts agreed. Even dead creatures may still be able to poison you, Panarella warned.
If bitten by something that could be poisonous, the best thing to do is stay calm and immediately seek medical attention, Stallings said.
Being safe this summer is "about using good judgment and common sense," Curtis said.
Heat warnings
Green Flag: Temperatures are between 80 and 84.9 degrees. Most physical activity is acceptable, but use discretion when planning heavy exercise if you are new to the Pacific.
Yellow Flag: Temperatures are between 85 and 87.9 degrees. Avoid holding outdoor classes. New personnel will not participate in heavy exercise during their first three weeks in the area.
Red Flag: Temperatures are between 88 and 89.9 degrees. No heavy exercise for any personnel who have been in the area for less than 12 weeks. Those who are acclimatized may continue limited activity for no more than six hours a day.
Black Flag: Temperatures are above 90 degrees. Outdoor physical activity for all nonessential personnel is suspended.
SOURCE: U.S. Marine Corps
Ellie