continued:

Outdoor water hazards:

Swimming pools require constant adult supervision of children.  Every second is critical.  Pools should always have a fence or other barrier to prevent access, and an alarm that alerts an adult when access is made.  Gates should self close and self latch.  Keep rescue equipment by the pool, and know how to use them.  Have a cell phone with you at the pool so that you can call for help if necessary.  Learn CPR so that you could be a lifesaver.  If your child is missing, and you have a pool, check the pool first.  Do not leave toys or floats in a pool when they are not being used, as they may attract a small child.  Even an older child should not swim alone, they should use the buddy system with another older child or adult.  There should always be a lifeguard when in the pool, and obey pool rules. 

If you live near a pond, lake, stream, creek, river, ocean or any body of water, you must have a tall fence (minimum 4 to 5 feet high) around your property to prevent small children from wandering into the water. 

During heavy storms, water may accumulate quickly on streets and highways.  Never drive, walk, or play in this water; as it can rise quite rapidly,   and can move very quickly.  If you drive into rising water, your vehicle can stall in the water and you will be trapped.  If you walk into high water, you cannot see any dangers that might exist under the water, such as culverts, sewers or open manholes that were caused by the water removing the covers,   The water may also be pushing large heavy objects and all sorts of debris with it.  Be safe, and take another route that may not have deep water and other obstacles.  If there is no safe route to take, quickly find shelter inside a building and wait for the dangers to subside.   Roads that are blocked with barricades or other types of warning, are that way because there are unsafe conditions present or about to occur.  Never move a warning device or go around them.   If a police officer, fire police officer, or other authorized person gives you directions for safe travel, obey those directions, do not think that you know better.  If you disobey, the fire department may have to be called to rescue you, and then try to explain to the police officer how you came to be in that situation.  And, this is better than other outcomes, where individuals were injured or killed. 

Please take your time, and be safe! 

Fire safety is something that everyone needs to be aware of 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  Do not wait until it is too late, practice fire safety every day!  If you have any questions or comments about this article, or any other fire safety subject, please feel free to call the Fire Company at 215-646-2555 or stop into either fire station any Monday night.  The Fire Prevention Committee is available to present programs upon request. Visit the Fort Washington Fire Company on the Internet at www.fortwashingtonfc.org.