Scooter, bike and pedestrian safety
Scooters, bikes, in-line skates and skateboards are associated with numerous injuries yearly.

• Wear a comfortable, properly fitted helmet bearing the label of an independent testing lab. Be sure that the helmet sits level on top of the head–not rocking in any direction–and always fasten the safety strap.
• Be sure that safety gear (wrist, elbow and kneepads) fits properly and does not interfere with the rider's movement, vision or hearing. Wrist pads are not recommended for scooter riders as they may affect their ability to maneuver.
• Ride scooters and bikes only on smooth, paved surfaces and only ride during daylight hours.
• Learn the proper hand signals and use them when you turn or stop.
• Come to a complete stop before entering driveways, paths or sidewalks, then look left, right and left again for bikes, cars or pedestrians heading your way.
• Teach crossing safety to children by example

Barbecue safety
Beware when you barbecue. In 1998 alone, there were 6,100 reported home fires involving gas or charcoal grills in the U.S., leading to $29.1 million in direct property damage, according to NFPA.  

• When using barbecue grills on decks or patios, be sure to leave sufficient space from siding and eaves.  
• In Massachusetts LP-gas grills are not permitted inside or on balconies above the first floor of any building where people live.
• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Keep children and pets far away from grills.
• With charcoal grills, only use charcoal starter fluids designed for barbecue grills and do not add fluid after coals have been lit.
• With gas grills, be sure that the hose connection is tight and check hoses carefully for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and have the grill repaired by a professional, if necessary.
• Use only charcoal lighter fluid to start charcoal grills. Once the coals have been ignited , never add more lighter fluid to the fire--flames may travel up the stream of lighter fluid resulting in serious burns.

Water Safety
Extra caution should be used when around water, for children and adults.

• Only swim in approved areas.
• Always supervise children near water at all times and make sure that children learn to swim.
• Check the depth of the water with a lifeguard before jumping in.
• Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD (personal floatation device) when boating, jet-skiing, tubing or water-skiing. Air-filled swimming aids, like water wings or inner tubes, are not substitutes for approved PFDs. An adult should always supervise children using these devices.
• Be sure to extinguish all smoking materials and shut down motors, fans and heating devices before fueling a boat. In case of a spill, wipe up fuel immediately and check the bilge for fuel leakage and odors. After fueling and before starting the boat's motor, ventilate with the blower for at least four minutes

Camping Safety Tips

• Always use a flame retardant tent and set up camp far away from the campfire.
• Only use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent or any other closed space, not liquid-filled heaters or lanterns.
• Always build your campfire down wind away from your tent. Clear all vegetation and dig a pit surrounded by rocks before building your campfire.
• Store liquid fire starter (not gasoline) away from your tent and campfire and only use dry kindling to freshen a campfire.
• Always put out a campfire when going to sleep or leaving the campsite. To extinguish the fire, cover with dirt or pour water over it

Fireworks

Fireworks are Illegal in Massachusetts

Fireworks lead to thousands of injuries requiring emergency room treatment, according to NFPA. These dazzling, but dangerous devices can burn up to 1200 F and can cause burns, lacerations, amputations and blindness. Stay safe by always leaving fireworks to professionals.

• Stay back at least 500 feet from professional fireworks displays.
• Treat all fireworks, whether legal or illegal for consumers, as suitable only for use by trained professionals.
• If you find fireworks, do not touch them but instead direct authorities to them.
• Leave any area where amateurs are using fireworks.

info compiled from the NFPA

Gasoline and Lawn Mowers:

• Gasoline vapors are highly flammable. They stay on your clothing and can ignite if you light a match or cigarette.

• Store gasoline only in approved containers, outside, or in a building not attached to the house. Never keep or use gasoline inside the home.

• Keep gasoline away from all heat sources such as smoking materials, pilot lights, campfires and grills.

• Never fuel a lawn mower while it is hot. Give it a few minutes to cool off first.

• Keep hands and feet away from the mower while it is running.

Burn First Aid:

•  Stop, Drop, and Roll to extinguish a clothing fire.

• Cool a burn. For minor burns, run cool water immediately over the burn.

• Seek emergency medical help immediately for more serious burns.

• Use sunscreen to avoid sunburn.

When your car overheats:

always:

• Turn off your car and wait at least one-half  hour before attempting  to open the radiator

• Use a heavy rag or cloth to open the radiator.

• Stand back as far as possible. Keep your face out of the way in case the radiator should rupture!

Opening hot car radiators is one of the leading causes of burns to young adults. These burns can be prevented with patience and appropriate precautions.

When your car overheats, or even when it's been running for a while, pressure builds up inside the radiator. If you open a hot car radiator, hot steam and liquid can splash on your face and hands causing painful, disfiguring burns.