Did You Know?: What to do in an Earthquake

Full building collapses due to earthquakes are less common in North America than some areas because of stringent building codes and construction standards. Risks are more likely to be non-structural, such as items falling from shelves, bookcases or wall hooks, or non-structural damage like shattering glass, dislodged bricks or sheathing or toppled signage. Any of these can result in serious injury or death but there are simple steps you can take to reduce the risks.

If you are indoors: Stay inside and move as little as possible,  Stay away from windows, doors, bookcases, shelves, furniture, lights or other fixtures that could fall,  Drop, cover, and hold. Shelter under a sturdy table, desk or bed; Hold on and move with it, If there is no sturdy furniture nearby, crouch in a corner and shield your head and neck, Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit, When leaving a building check that stairs are intact and debris is not falling outside, Use stairs, not elevators, in case there are aftershocks, power outages or other damage

If you are outdoors: Move to an open space, Stay away from buildings due to potential for falling glass and other debris. Do not stand near or under trees or any structures that could collapse or topple, Keep clear of downed electrical wires, overhead utility cables, and natural gas or propane tanks or valves, check your home for structural damage and hazards. If you suspect it is unsafe, do not enter

If you are in the car: Stop the car and stay in it, Keep away from bridges, overpasses, underpasses or any structure that could collapse on your vehicle, Obey all instructions given by public authorities.

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code.  Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.

Did You Know?: Summer Heat Safety

Most of Ontario is experiencing its first heat wave of the year and the Canadian Red Cross is encouraging residents to stay safe whether it’s in the warm sun or cooling off in the water.

Many groups are vulnerable to the heat, including the elderly, young children, and those who work, exercise and live outdoors. A few hours in the high temperatures can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. For those who do not have air conditioning, the Red Cross recommends going to a local shopping mall or library to take a break from the heat.

The Canadian Red Cross also has the following tips to help individuals stay safe during extreme heat:

Avoid being outdoors in the hottest part of the day.  If you must go out, try to do so in the early morning or later evening hours when the sun is not as strong, work and exercise in brief periods, take frequent breaks, dress in light, loose clothing, wear a hat and drink plenty of cool fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code.  Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.

Did You Know?: Lifejackets

Canadian Red Cross drowning research shows that almost all boaters who drown were not wearing a lifejacket or not wearing it properly.

People offer many excuses for not wearing lifejackets such as “it’s too nice out”, “I’m close to shore,” and “I’m a good swimmer.” Strong swimming skills are not enough.  Like your car seatbelt, your lifejacket will only work if you wear it.

Every year, almost 200 Canadians drown while boating. Of these, nearly 90 per cent, are not wearing a lifejacket, or do not have it properly secured. The Canadian Red Cross encourages all boaters, at all skill levels, and in all kinds of watercrafts, to drop the excuses.  Make sure that everyone in the family is zipped and clipped into their lifejacket before you step foot in a boat. 

Lifejackets have come a long way in recent years.  Today’s lifejackets are comfortable and stylish, and are even designed for specific activities including water skiing, fishing, kayaking and rafting.

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code.  Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.