Current Announcements
The following are fire & life safety topics relevant to the month of May:


 
Fire Safety Topics:
As of this date, 964 people have died in fire-related incidents across the United States in 2022, of which 77 died in New York State. While the causes of these fires have varied, the following are potential causes to focus on throughout this month:
 
Lithium-ion Batteries: Multiple recent fires were reported to have been caused by issues involving lithium-ion batteries. Check out the informational pamphlet from NFPA attached to this email for tips on how to prevent these issues.
 
Electrical Safety: Check out these electrical safety tips from NFPA to use on various social media platforms. https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Electrical/Electrical-social-media-posts
 
Grilling Safety: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Grilling
 
Dryer Fires: Check out the informational pamphlet from NFPA attached to this email for information on how to prevent dryer fires.
 
Wildfires: The New York State Burn Ban is still in effect through May 14th. Wildfires can and do occur throughout New York each year from Long Island to the Adirondacks. Follow these links for information about the burn ban, historical incidents that led to the creation of related safety regulations, and tips on how you can help prevent wildfires in your area:
https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/32060.html
https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/42524.html
https://www.theadkx.org/the-adirondacks-are-burning-a-brief-history-of-forest-fires/
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Wildfire-safety-tips
 
Other Life Safety Topics:
 
Brain Injuries: National Brain Injury Awareness Week is May 11th – 17th. This week is great for promoting messages related to wearing of bicycle and motorcycle helmets, fall prevention, and preventing motor vehicle collisions.
 
Hurricane/ Storm Safety: With hurricane season right around the corner (June – November), now is the time to prepare for severe weather. Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 1st – 7th. This week is perfect for disaster planning, including discussing evacuation plans with loved ones, as well as gathering supplies for “go bags” or times when you may be without power. See the attached “Hurricane Safety” pamphlet for things to consider during and after severe weather.
 
Lyme Disease & Other Tick-Borne Illnesses: May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Follow this link for more information and educational materials about tick-borne illnesses from the CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/index.html#:~:text=Steps%20to%20prevent%20Lyme%20disease,other%20tickborne%20diseases%20as%20well
 
Drunk/ Distracted Driving: Whether its proms, graduations, or a Memorial Day barbecue, May is a great month to raise awareness about drunk and distracted driving for teens and adults alike. Check out these tips from State Farm Insurance for ways to  ensure a safe prom and graduation season. https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/auto-and-vehicles/celebrate-safe-drive-safe-tips-for-teen-drivers-during-prom-and-graduation-season
 
Other Significant Dates in May:
National Drinking Water Week – May 1st – 7th
North American Occupational Safety & Health Week – May 1st – 7th
Mothers’ Day – May 8th
EMS Week – May 15th – 21st
Police Week – May 15th – 21st
Public Works Week – May 15th – 21st
National Learn to Swim Day – May 21st
National Senior Health & Fitness Day – May 25th
Memorial Day – May 30th
Building Safety Month – May 1st – 31st – Most building and fire codes exist due to a incidents throughout history that caused loss of life or major property loss. While there are countless examples of this, one major incident that occurred during the month of May was the “Great St. Louis Fire of 1849”. This fire occurred on May 17, 1849 and resulted in the death of at least 3 people, including a firefighter, and the destruction of 418 buildings and 23 steam boats. This incident “cleared” the area in which the St. Louis Arch currently stands and prompted the city to require buildings that were constructed in the area to be of non-combustible materials.
https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/history/may-17-1849-the-great-fire-that-changed-the-face-of-st-louis/article_ff8faca9-1ba5-5f52-9252-e8397b705240.html
 
Follow this link for more information about other significant dates, as well as tips on how to observe them. https://nationaltoday.com/may-holidays/
 
Product Recalls in April 2022:
There have been 17 product recalls issued so far in April 2022; 5 of which are fire-related:
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls
​
CURRENT INFORMATION

ARCHIVED INFORMATION
​
  Cardiac Care for the Living  (you Tube Video)
- DEC - Controlled Burn Information
- Control Burn Considerations & Recommendations
Information from Center for Disease Control regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Prevention
As a best practice for overall health in cold and influenza season, the CDC recommends that individuals receive the influenza vaccination and engage in everyday, preventative measures to prevent the spread of germs and avoid illness, such as:
·        Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
·        Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands.
·        Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.
·        Stay home when you are sick.
·        Cover your cough or sneeze with the crease of your elbow.
·        Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
·        Take any anti-viral medication prescribed to you as instructed by your physician.
More Information
If you or a family member start showing symptoms of a respiratory disease and suspect it may be COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider. Before going to your healthcare provider’s office, or the hospital emergency room, inform them that you may be a suspect case for COVID-19, and follow their advice.
For more information, consider consulting these additional resources:
1.     Novel Coronavirus (NYS Department of Health)
2.     Coronavirus Disease 2019 (CDC)
3.     Information for Travel (CDC)
4.     FAQ for Travelers (CDC)
5.     Prevention & Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
6.     Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Frequently Asked Questions – Prevention
In addition, New York has established a Novel Coronavirus Hotline, which can provide additional information. Call 1-888-364-3065 with questions or concerns about travel and symptoms. Updates from these sources can help to keep you and others healthy!