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HEALTH, SAFETY & WELFARE Janet Lynn, jlynn@hotmail.com

We have a Sandwich Seminar on the third Tuesday of each month. For the month of July, it will be A Hands Only CPR
lecture and demonstration scheduled for July 18:

Title: Hands Only CPR and Early Heart Attack Care
Description of lecture: Hands-Only CPR is a method of CPR that was recommended by the American Heart Association
(AHA) in 2010. It is intended for bystanders untrained in CPR or for situations when the rescuer is unable or unwilling to
provide mouth-to-mouth ventilations. Hands-Only CPR is 10 times more likely to save someone in cardiac arrest than
not doing anything. Speaker: Kelly Emdin, RN. There will be time for questions. Please call the PGICA office to register
for this free event at 941-637-1655 so you can hear some important information and enjoy lunch with your friends.

Let’s all have a safe Fourth of July!

“Every year, safety is our first priority as families begin to plan their Fourth of July festivities. While fireworks are the most
iconic and festive way to celebrate our country’s independence, there can be dangers if fireworks are used improperly,”
said Nancy Blogin, President of the National Council on Fireworks Safety. “Consumers should purchase fireworks from a
reputable company or fireworks stand, check local and state laws for fireworks use in your city, and check all instructions
on fireworks packaging before use.” The fireworks industry has made great progress in improving firework quality and
reducing injuries; however, there is still work to be done as the vast majority of fireworks-related injuries in the U.S. each
year result from the misuse of fireworks.

We have seen an increase in injuries among youth who have used fireworks in videos unsafely to impress their friends
or to get a laugh. We want parents to help us put a stop to using fireworks in viral videos by encouraging safety and by
explaining that the improper use of fireworks can produce serious injuries or even death. “We have a collective
responsibility as a community to put a stop to improper fireworks usage. If you see something that is unsafe, say
something or report it to your local fire or police department,” said Blogin.

The NCFS’s mission is to educate the public on the safe use of fireworks and encourages consumers to follow these
safety tips before engaging in fireworks celebrations this Fourth of July:

 Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
 Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
 A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
 Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
 Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
 Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
 Do not hold a fireworks item in your hand.
 Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
 Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a
bucket of water before you discard it.
 After purchasing fireworks, always store them in a cool, dry place.
 When using fireworks always have a connected hose, bucket of water,
or other water source nearby.
 Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them into metal or glass
containers.
 Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
 Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal
trashcan away from any building or combustible materials until the
next day.
 Ensure all pets and animals are away from fireworks noise.
 With the rise in stress-related disorders affecting American service men
and women, pay special consideration to individuals who may be
sensitive to loud noises in proximity to your fireworks show.

If you have any questions regarding how to properly use fireworks we
encourage you to consult your local dealer. The National Council on
Fireworks Safety is a nonprofit 501(c) organization dedicated to educating
the public about the safe and responsible enjoyment of consumer fireworks.
For more information, visit http://www.fireworkssafety.org.

"The Summer looks out from her brazen tower, through the flashing bars of
July." - Francis Thompson photo by Anita Hromish

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