Summer Weather Safety | Tornado Preparedness and Hot Car Safety
June is National Safety Month, and at J Bar Enterprises, we’re committed to making safety a top priority for everyone, everywhere. As a leading portable sanitation company, we believe that safety starts with each of us at work and home, and extends to our communities. Each week we will introduce a safety procedure or a bit of knowledge about safety, and explain how it correlates with one of our core values.
We will cover processes and procedures we follow here at our facility, as well as global safety measures you can take to support those around you. Be sure to follow along with this journey and keep an eye out for blog posts, videos, and a podcast episode with our Safety & Training Steward, who has decades of experience in the field!
At J Bar Enterprises, one of our core values is being an Overcomer. This means facing challenges head-on and being prepared to protect ourselves and those around us. Fire safety is a crucial area where this value shines. By knowing how to use a fire extinguisher, you become a de facto protector, ready to act in case of an emergency. Our commitment to safety training ensures that all J Bar staff are equipped with this vital knowledge, which can be invaluable in both professional and personal settings.
Tornado Preparedness
Tornadoes can occur with little warning and cause significant destruction. Knowing what to do if you’re caught outdoors during a tornado is essential.
Safety Protocol if Caught Outdoors:
- Seek Shelter Immediately: If you can, find a sturdy building or a designated tornado shelter. While our J Bar sanitary restrooms are comfortable, they are not recommended as shelter from storms.
- Find a Low Area: If no shelter is available, find a ditch or a low-lying area and lie flat, covering your head with your arms.
- Avoid Vehicles: Cars can be tossed by tornadoes. If you’re in a vehicle, do not try to outrun a tornado. Instead, seek a safer structure or a low-lying area away from the vehicle.
- Stay Away from Trees and Debris: Tornadoes can cause trees and debris to fly at high speeds, creating additional hazards.
Additional Tips
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- Stay Informed: Monitor weather reports and have a weather radio for alerts.
- Have a Plan: Know where to go and what to do in case of a tornado, especially when outdoors or in unfamiliar areas.
- Learn more: Stay up to date on tornado safety tips. This article from the CDC is a great resource!
Hot Car Safety
Hot car safety is critical during the summer months. Temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly, posing severe risks to children, pets, and even adults.
Education on Risks:
- Rapid Temperature Rise: The temperature inside a car can increase by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, even on a mild day.
- Statistics and Stories: Hundreds of children and pets suffer from heat stroke each year due to being left in hot cars. Awareness of these real-life incidents highlights the importance of vigilance.
Practical Tips:
- Look Before You Lock: Always check the back seat before locking your car.
- Use Apps and Devices: Various apps and devices can alert you if a child or pet is left in the car.
- Create Habits: Leave a personal item, like a purse or phone, in the back seat as a reminder to check before you lock.
Emergency Actions:
- What to Do if You See a Child or Pet in a Hot Car:
- Call 911: Immediately report the situation to emergency services.
- Find the Owner: If possible, alert nearby people to locate the car’s owner.
- Intervene if Necessary: If the child or pet is in imminent danger and you can’t find the owner, break the window to rescue them. Use a tool or find an object to break the window safely.
- First Aid Tips:
- Immediate Steps: Move the child or pet to a cool area and offer water if they are conscious.
- Symptoms of Heatstroke and Dehydration: Look for signs such as red, hot, and dry skin, rapid pulse, confusion, or unconsciousness. Administer cool water and seek medical help immediately.
Tips from J Bar’s Training & Safety Steward JP Erskine:
JP Erskine, J Bar’s Training and Safety Steward, has 27 years of experience as a Fire Marshal in the Burnet Fire Department. Here are his thoughts on hot vehicles during the summer months:
“It is extremely important to be vigilant during the summer months and ensure your kids don’t end up stuck in a hot vehicle. Children heat up faster than adults so their time in a hot car is lessened over what an adult could withstand. It is good practice to lock your vehicle when you are at home, even if you live in a typically secure location, to prevent kids from entering the car during hot weather without your knowledge. And don’t forget – leaving a car unattended with a child in it, even if it is running with the AC on, is illegal.”
Other Summer Weather Safety Tips
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- Hydration: Ensure you and your loved ones stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, especially when spending time outdoors.
- Sun Protection: Use sunscreen, wear hats, and seek shade to protect against harmful UV rays.
- Swimming Safety: Always supervise children around water and use life jackets as needed.
From Our Family To Yours
At J Bar Enterprises, we care deeply about the safety and well-being of our community. By being prepared and informed, we can all enjoy a safer summer. Whether you’re using our “Come and Take It” restroom trailers while camping or just enjoying a sunny day, remember these tips to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Stay safe, stay informed, and have a wonderful summer!
Check out our other Safety Month articles
Be a Lifesaver | Connecting Safety with Core Values
Keeping Families Safe This Summer | Essential Tips from J Bar Enterprises
Family Reunion Safety | Tips for Every Generation
Core Values & J Bar Processes | Family & Self Employed Mentality
Excellence in the Ordinary & Honest Communication | Ensuring Safety
Overcoming Fire Safety Challenges | Protecting Your Loved Ones
Safety Month Grand Finale | Driving Safety & Do Unto Others
Safety Month Recap Podcast | JP Erskine Shares His Experience
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