Safety

Fireworks are a fun way to celebrate the Fourth of July, but accidents can happen quickly.

Stay safe around fireworks and sparklers with these tips:

– Only purchase legal fireworks. Illegal fireworks account for the majority of injuries.

– Keep a safe distance from structures.

– Keep a bucket of water and a fire extinguisher nearby.

– Supervise older children around fireworks.

– Avoid open-toe shoes and loose-fitting clothes, which can catch embers.

– Designate a sober person to handle fireworks.

– Keep pets locked safely indoors.

Many mistakenly think that sparklers are safer than fireworks, but they burn as hot as 2,000 degrees.

– Charlene Cobb, Sunstar Paramedics

Lately, safety concerns related to ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft have increased. These apps offer so much convenience, but they also demand extra responsibilities. Remember these safety tips:

– Verify vehicle license plate and driver’s name.

– Share your location with someone.

– If possible, ride with a friend.

– Wear your seat belt.

– Use your phone’s GPS to keep an eye on the route.

– Last but not least, ask the driver, “What’s my name?” before entering the car. This idea came after the tragic death of a University of South Carolina student, who got in the wrong car and was murdered.

– Stephanie Giacometti, The Alaska 100

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is encouraging motor vehicle safety through the use of seat belts. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “of the 37,461 people killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2016, 48 percent were not wearing seat belts.”

In Oklahoma, drivers and passengers are required by law to use seat belts. All children under age 12 are also required to use seat belts and weight-appropriate car seats.

Buckling up is the most proactive way to protect yourself before an accident. Ensure you and your passengers are properly secured before hitting the roads by buckling up.

– Kristen Giroux, Jones PR

It’s that time of year again – holiday shopping season. As you’re looking for the perfect gifts for kids, keep these safety tips in mind:

– Consider children’s ages when buying toys or games.

– For small children (or in a household with small children), make sure the toy doesn’t contain small parts, small batteries or button batteries that can be choking hazards.

– If you’re giving a new bike, skateboard, scooter or skates, it’s important to get a fitted helmet to go with it.

If you’re unsure about a gift, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission regularly updates its recalled items list.

– Charlene Cobb, Sunstar Paramedics

Oklahoma weather is never short on surprises, so as we enter the winter months, here are a few tips to ensure that you are prepared when you hit the road this winter.

• Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.

• When roads are wet or icy, following distance between you and other cars should be increased to eight to 10 seconds.

• Maintain a half tank of gas at all times to ensure you always have a source of heat.

• Always check your tire pressure before traveling.

• Remember, bridges are the first to ice over in winter weather.

– Jack Damrill, Director of Communications & Facilities, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority

In the United States, nearly 1.6 million crashes result from texting and driving. Oklahoma is one of 47 states with a distracted driving ban, but statistics show driver habits aren’t changing.

A new device that could tell if you’ve been texting while behind the wheel is undergoing tests in New York.

The Textalyzer works like a Breathalyzer, but instead of measuring blood-alcohol content it measures cell phone activity. Police must obtain search warrants to look through a person’s phone, but many are concerned about the violation of privacy the Textalyzer might entail. Learn more about the Textalyzer here.

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR