Health and Safety / Work and Home
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Remember safety when enjoying the summer
The kids are about ready to pack up their desks, and you are marking the days until you can turn on your “out of office” message. We are all getting ready to embrace the joys of summer, whether it’s barbecuing in the backyard, spending a lazy afternoon by the lake, or hitting the road for a scenic getaway.
Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but with all the excitement, it’s important not to forget about safety. Here are some general tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe while making the most of your summer: Backyard barbecue safety
Nothing says summer like the sizzle of a barbecue. But before you fire up the grill, keep these safety tips in mind:
• Keep the grill outdoors and away from structures. Never use a barbecue indoors, in a garage, or under an overhang.
• Check for gas leaks. For propane grills, inspect the hose for leaks before use.
• Supervise children and pets. Keep them at least one metre away from the grill area.
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby. A
• Summer car maintenance
• Changing your car’s oil
• Ways to prevent stroke
• Know the signs of stroke
• Forklift safety
• Watch yourself in a warehouse
• Don’t ignore a near miss
• What about near misses at home?
bucket of sand or a garden hose can also help in case of flare-ups.
* Clean your grill regularly. Grease buildup can lead to dangerous flareups.
Water safety at lakes and pools
Canada’s lakes and pools are perfect for cooling off, but water activities come with risks. Here’s how to stay safe:
• Always supervise children. Even shallow water can be dangerous.
• Wear the right-fitting approved life
• Online seller security tips
• Refresh your medicine cabinet
• How to manage your money
• Summer sun fun with sunscreen
• Advice for healthier teeth
• School’s out and so are the kids
• Safety Meeting: Safety in thunderstorms
jacket, especially when boating or if you’re not a strong swimmer.
• Swim in designated areas. Lifeguardsupervised zones are the safest.
• Avoid alcohol. Drinking impairs judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of drowning.
• Learn CPR. It can save lives in emergencies.
Road trip readiness
Planning a road trip to see the stunning landscapes your province has to offer? Make sure safety is part of your itinerary:
• Inspect your vehicle. Check tire pressure, brakes, oil, and coolant levels before departure.
• Pack an emergency kit. Include water, snacks, a flashlight, first-aid supplies, and a phone charger.
• Plan your route. Let someone know your travel plans and expected arrival times.
• Take breaks. Fatigue is a major cause of accidents—switch drivers or stop every two hours.
• Stay alert for wildlife. Especially in rural or forested areas, where animals may cross the road.
Publisher: Stefan Dreesen
H&S Communication Specialists: Alan Haycroft | Liz Slobodin | Kevin Harvey
Editor: Kate Van Hoof-Peeren
Contributing Writer: Bryden Winsby
TOLL FREE: 1-888-655-4800
info@smartworkplace.ca www.smartworkplace.ca
What to know about changing your vehicle’s motor oil
(NC) To keep your engine running smoothly, you need to maintain your vehicle’s motor oil. This is important not only for its performance but also for its longevity and efficiency.
Here are three important aspects to consider:
Frequency of oil changes. The frequency with which you change your vehicle’s motor oil depends largely on your driving habits and the type of oil you use. Be sure to follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations as outlined in your owner’s manual, as regular oil changes help keep your engine clean, reduce wear and tear and prevent costly breakdowns.
Choose the right oil. Start by consulting your owner’s manual for the recommended viscosity (5W-30, for example). You’ll also want to consider the climate and driving conditions where you live. Next, choose the oil that works best for your vehicle and driving habits. Full synthetic oil is designed to provide complete protection.
Use a quality oil filter. An oil filter plays a key role in maintaining engine health by trapping contaminants and particles that can cause damage. When changing your motor oil, always replace the oil filter as well. A good oil filter ensures that the oil circulating in your engine remains clean, providing better lubrication and extending its life.
Summer car maintenance: Preparing for high heat
(NC) The sun is shining, the thermometer is rising and those winter tires are long gone. But just like you prepared your car for the winter, it’s time to do some summer maintenance. High temperatures can push a vehicle’s limits, leading to breakdowns. Avoid getting stranded with these tips.
Check the cooling system. The cooling system is one of the most important things to inspect before the summer heat sets in. Start by inspecting the radiator and checking for any leaks or damage. Clean any debris and dirt that have accumulated on the radiator fins and ensure coolant levels are adequate and topped up if needed. Check the condition of hoses and belts connected to the cooling system, replacing any that show signs of wear or damage.
Check the battery. High temperatures can strain your car’s battery. Ensure it is in good condition by removing any corrosion from the battery terminals and testing it to ensure it’s holding a proper charge. If the battery is old or showing signs of failing, it’s time to get a replacement.
Check the tires. High temperatures can affect tire pressure and wear, making proper tire maintenance a crucial step for safety and performance. Throughout the summer and particularly during periods of high heat, check and adjust tire pressure to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. Ensure that tire tread depth is sufficient for safe driving and inspect for signs of damage such as cracks, cuts, or bulges.
Check your oil. Engine oil plays a vital role in keeping your engine cool and lubricated. To keep your vehicle running smoothly, monitor engine oil levels and top it up as needed. If it’s time for an oil change, do it before the temperatures rise, look for any signs of oil leaks and have them repaired promptly.
Protect the interior and exterior. The sun’s UV rays can damage your car’s exterior paint and interior surfaces. Whenever possible, park in the shade or use a car cover and use sunshades to protect the dashboard and seats from sun damage while keeping the interior cool.
These 5 things could help you prevent a stroke
(NC) Did you know a stroke occurs roughly every five minutes in Canada?
Nearly all of us have at least one risk factor for stroke or heart disease. Arming yourself with knowledge is an important way to help protect yourself.
But surprisingly, seven in 10 Canadians don’t understand their risk factors, according to a poll by Heart & Stroke. The same poll revealed that people mistakenly think that family history and genetics are the biggest risk factors, when in fact up to 80 percent of premature stroke and heart disease can be prevented by embracing healthy lifestyle habits.
Here are five things that can help keep your brain and your heart healthy: Eat well. What you eat plays a huge role in your health. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help lower your risk of stroke and heart disease by lowering cholesterol, reducing blood pressure and keeping your blood sugar in check.
Move more. Staying active is one of the most important things you can do for your health—and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Find simple ways to move more every day, like taking a short walk or choosing the stairs instead of the elevator.
Manage your stress. Stress can take a toll on the body, causing your heart
to work harder and increase blood pressure, which can increase your risk. That’s why it’s important to recognize what causes you stress and find ways to manage it, like identifying what you can change or practicing deep breathing.
Be smoke free. Smoking, or tobacco use, increases your risk of developing stroke and heart disease. By becoming smoke free, you’re taking a huge step, not only towards a healthier and longer life for yourself, but for the people around you, too. Talk to your healthcare provider—there’s help available when you’re ready.
Keep an eye on your blood pressure. Regular blood pressure checks are important in maintaining your health. In fact, high blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke. If your doctor has prescribed medication for high blood pressure, make sure you take it as directed.
But remember: Some risk factors, such as age and family history can’t be changed by lifestyle, and making changes can be much harder for some people because of inequities like their financial situation or where they live.
In need of inspiration and support? Find heart-healthy recipes, tips and more to help you take charge of your health at heartandstroke.ca/healthy-living.
Know the signs of stroke
(NC) In healthcare, there’s a saying about strokes: “time lost is brain lost.” When a stroke happens, every second counts.
Stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off. Brain cells die at a rate of 1.9 million per minute after onset, so the sooner blood flow can be restored, the better the chance of survival—with little or no disability.
If you, or someone with you, experiences any of these signs, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.
FAST is an easy and memorable way to remember the three major signs of stroke, and action to take:
F - face, is it drooping?
A - arms, can you raise them?
S - speech, is it slurred or jumbled?
T - time to call 9-1-1 right away.
Don’t drive yourself or the person experiencing signs to the hospital—an ambulance will get you to the closest hospital that provides urgent stroke care. Emergency medical services will be able to determine which hospital in your area can best help.
Treatments can reduce the severity and reverse some of the effects, and it’s important they’re given as quickly as possible.
More signs of stroke
The FAST signs are the most common and are more likely to be caused by stroke than any other condition. But there are additional signs that some people experience. They include:
• vision changes—blurred or double vision.
• sudden severe headache, usually accompanied by some of the other signs.
• numbness—usually on one side of the body.
• problems with balance.
Stroke is a leading cause of death and adult disability in Canada. Almost one million people are living with the effects, and more than 108,000 strokes occur each year—that’s roughly one every five minutes.
Share the signs—you could save the life of someone you love. Learn more at heartandstroke.ca/fast.
Forklifts: What could possibly go wrong?
The ability of forklifts to lift and transport a variety of loads has made them indispensable in many workplaces. Forklifts also can be very hazardous for the operator and those around them if not used as intended.
They have the potential to cause death, fractures and dislocations, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and musculoskeletal injuries.
These can result from roll-overs and tip-overs, collisions with objects or pedestrians, falling loads and dangerous emissions.
Such incidents have numerous potential causes, not least of which is a poorly-trained operator who might not know how to respond to various workplace conditions. A written exam, eye test, reflex test and driving assessment should be done to ensure that the driver will be able to handle their job in all situations.
Poor workplace design is a major reason why forklift incidents occur. Narrow aisles in a warehouse are tricky to navigate, and even if an aisle is designed for easy maneuvring, a small bit of clutter can lead to trouble if the driver tries to avoid it. Another problem is high volume of traffic in an area not designed to sustain it.
Other facility issues that can affect forklift operation and performance include different surface materials, uneven surfaces, ramps, heavy noises, poor lighting and poor cleaning .
The following are common mistakes when maneuvering a forklift:
• Traveling at excessive speed. This can cause the forklift to tip over or make it difficult to stop if a person or object is in the path of the lift or the
floor is wet and slippery.
• Driving with the load elevated. This can cause the lift to be off-balance, especially when making turns or going up and down grades. Having the load elevated can also obstruct the fork lift operator’s view.
• Improper back-up techniques. Visibility is limited when backing, so having a flashing light or audible signal connected to the forklift while in reverse can help alert others to the activity and movement of the forklift.
• Improper turning, braking or accelerating. Whether alone or in conjunction with each other, these activities can cause the lift to tip over.
• Inadequate warnings about a forklift in use. The vehicle should be equipped with a horn that can be used to alert those nearby, and signs should be placed in areas where forklifts might be operating.
• Allowing riders on a forklift or load. This is another load balance concern that can lead to tipping, injury, and/or damage.
• Improper parking. The forklift could move on its own, striking property or people.
• Horseplay, stunt driving, erratic driving or other irresponsible forklift activity. This can cause damage to property, or injury or death to individuals.
While forklift accidents can never be completely eliminated, most incidents are preventable through strict adherence to safety standards and proper training. Daily inspections, maintenance programs, and strong enforcement of driving rules all reduce the risks significantly.
Watch yourself in warehouses
Not only can warehouses be a dangerous place to work in, these days we must be wary as consumers when shopping in them. More and more outlets are opting for the warehouse shopping experience which means more people are exposed to the hazards in them. It’s important to understand common warehouse dangers and hazards to avoid serious injuries.
Eliminate potential hazards. Slips, trips and falls are one of the most common injuries that happen in a warehouse. These oftenunnecessary accidents occur for a variety of reasons. Be on the lookout and report possible issues such as loose materials on the floor, liquid, boxes, poorly lit areas and unnecessary steps or bumps.
Wear proper clothing while working. With the number of different hazards present in warehouses, wearing the right gear is a must. You may need to special head protection, hand protection or clothing depending on your tasks. Talk with your supervisor if you are not sure.
Be cautious around heavy machinery. If you happen to work with heavy equipment, it’s probably natural for you to get very comfortable using it. While this can be a big advantage in terms of your productivity, it can be a disadvantage because you might forget about the danger of the machine you are using. If you are visiting or shopping in a warehouse always be aware of your surroundings and if you encounter someone using a forklift, stay alert for forklift movements, keep your distance, and use designated walkways.
Be wary if you are working around conveyors. Conveyor equipment is commonly used in the transportation of goods from warehouse to warehouse. However, conveyors pose serious dangers to workers including getting caught in equipment and being struck by falling objects. To ensure warehouse safety, it is important to that you do not tamper with safeguarding equipment that comes between the conveyor and you to protect against the entanglement of clothing, body parts and hair. Follow proper lockout tag-out procedures during conveyor maintenance and repairs.
Falling objects. Unfortunately, there are a lot of warehouses that have items stacked high and that means that falling objects are always a health hazard when stacking objects incredibly high on shelves or other platforms. Keep heavy loads stacked as neatly as you can so that the load does not shift on you when you carry or move it from place to place. Additionally, if you happen to have objects that are cylindrical in shape, stacking them the right way can avoid the problem of having them a roll off the shelf you stacked them on. As a shopper, do not attempt to overreach to grab items that are stacked high up on the shelf. Get help.
What about near misses at home?
Near misses or close calls can happen everywhere, especially in our own home. We probably don’t even think about them at all when we are at home because there is no one encouraging us to report them, but the safety of your family is just as important as your coworkers, don’t you think?
Here are some common near misses to watch for when you are at home:
Slips, trips, and falls: Wet floors, loose rugs, items left on the stairs or cluttered areas can cause a serious slip or fall that can lead to injury.
Burns: Unattended stovetops, ovens, and hot water can cause burns.
Falling objects: Items improperly stored on shelves or overhead can fall and cause injuries, especially if little hands are trying to grab their favourite toy off the shelf.
Choking: Children are at risk of choking on small objects, toys, or food.
Equipment malfunctions: Problems with appliances or tools that are old, dull, or quickly fixed with a piece of duct tape can lead to injuries or near misses.
Drowning: Bathtubs, toilets, buckets, or swimming pools can be drowning hazards, especially for children.
Lone working: If you have kids or a partner working alone in the garage or workshop you could face increased risks due to lack of supervision or assistance
Spraining: This can occur during sports or activities at home.
Keeping an eye on these common occurrences and fixing them properly when you can could spare some grief in your future. Safety
Ignoring near misses can be a big mistake
Reporting of near misses (also referred to as close calls and narrow escapes) is widely regarded as an opportunity to identify hazards before they result in actual harm.
Near misses can be a warning sign that something in the operating procedure needs adjusting or that equipment is faulty.
You might wonder if every little thing that goes slightly wrong is worth a report and possible investigation.
Well, perhaps not, but look at it this way: If there was a very real possibility the “little thing” could have caused injury and/ or property damage if conditions had been just a tad different, then yes, it was certainly worth reporting.
The reality is that countless close calls do go unreported — they’re shrugged off as lucky breaks or too insignificant to worry about. Or, if they result from someone’s careless behaviour, that person is simply barked at and told to smarten up.
Employees are reluctant to report a near miss to an employer for several reasons:
• Fear of punishment. Most often, they want to avoid being blamed if something goes wrong.
• People don’t like to admit mistakes and might fear that owning up to a near miss will lead co-workers to see them as weak or “accident-prone.”
• They might not even understand a near miss took place. The incident goes unreported, and the issue persists, creating an unsafe work environment.
• They don’t know how to report a near miss. If a reporting system is too complex, more often than not, employees will just ignore it altogether.
• Lack of motivation. In some instances, employees might not see the benefit of reporting a near miss, especially if there’s nothing tangible in it for them. Offering small incentives, such as company recognition or gift cards, can increase the likelihood that an employee will report a near miss.
Once a report is received, incident investigations follow a standard process to determine the root causes of an event and how to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The scale of the investigation depends on the potential severity of the near miss. For example, if someone trips on a frayed carpet in the workplace, it will require a smaller investigation and could have an immediate corrective action. If a hoist lifts a heavy load and it falls in a busy pedestrian walkway, the potential severity is much greater, and the investigation should reflect that. Both situations should be investigated to identify unsafe conditions and recommend corrective actions.
It’s time to clean up that space in your home that can get forgotten, your medicine cabinet. Cleaning out your medicine cabinet regularly is important for safety, effectiveness, and proper storage of medications. It helps prevent accidental poisoning, misuse, and ensures your medications are still effective and safe to take.
But what should stay and what should go? Here are a few tips:
Quick tips to refresh your medicine cabinet Stay alert when meeting online sellers
• If you are taking prescription medications, make sure you have an updated list of your medications before you start cleaning your medicine cabinet. You can print a list from your online record or request one from your pharmacist.
• Medications should not be used beyond their expiry date. This date is found on the pharmacy label or on the product container, next to the letters EXP. It is usually indicated by the abbreviation of the month (or the number of the month) followed by the year. For example, EXP MAY/2025 means that the product can be used until the end of May 2025.
• There’s no point in keeping medication that your doctor has stopped or that has caused you side effects. It won’t do you any better in a few months!
• For over-the-counter medications, keep only those that meet a known and recurring need (e.g. painkillers for your headaches). Do not keep expired Tylenol or Aspirin; refresh when necessary.
• Only buy a quantity that is proportional to your needs. Bulk quantities may seem more cost-effective per tablet, but only if they are used before they expire.
• Keep each product in its original container. To reduce the risk of error, all your prescription and over-the-counter medications should be kept in their original container, unless you are using a pill box to help you remember to take your medications on certain days.
In these days of reduce, reuse and repurpose, many of us scour the internet looking for bargains, using online platforms that put us in touch with sellers close to home to avoid all the hassle and extra costs of shipping. This also means that we find ourselves meeting complete strangers in some parts of town that we may never have been to.
To ensure safety when meeting an online seller, follow these tips:
Choose safe locations: Select a busy, public place with adequate lighting and camera coverage, such as a well-known restaurant, coffee shop, or shopping centre. Avoid meeting at your home or in secluded areas. Meeting at or near a police station can provide additional security.
Bring a companion: Having someone accompany you can deter potential scammers and offer support if necessary.
Inform a trusted person: Notify a friend or family member of your plans, including the meeting location, time, and the person you are meeting. Request that they check in with you after the meeting is complete.
Trust your instincts: If anything about the seller, the meeting location, or the transaction appears suspicious, trust your judgment and do not proceed. Document everything: Maintain detailed records of your communications with the seller, including photos or screenshots of any messages or offers.
Be diligent and prepared: Provide thorough descriptions of the item and be mindful of potential red flags, such as unusually low prices or atypical requests.
Keep cash separate: If paying in cash, keep the agreed amount separate from other money to avoid disclosing how much you have.
Avoid sharing personal information: Refrain from sharing your exact location or personal information with the seller unless it is directly relevant to the transaction.
Limit communication channels: Stick to the platform’s messaging system and avoid exchanging personal contact information unless absolutely necessary. Report suspicious activity: If you suspect a scam, report it to the online platform and, if applicable, to law enforcement.
Easy summer sun fun with sunscreen
Summertime brings longer days, warmer weather and the need for a sun safety refresher. Keeping your entire family sun safe while outdoors is the key to making this summer your best one yet.
Follow these tips to make sure you stay protected all season long:
1. The sun doesn’t discriminate. Sunscreen should be applied even when you’re not in direct sunlight. Whether you’re driving in the car, sitting outside on a cloudy day or spending time in the water, your skin is still susceptible to sunburns.
2. Minimize exposure. Try to limit exposure to direct sunlight when the sun’s rays are strongest at mid-day. During these hours, seek shade or use an umbrella and be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat and light protective clothing.
3. Remember the golf ball rule. Adults should apply 30 millilitres, or a golf ball-sized amount, of sunscreen to cover their bodies from head to toe. Remember to reapply at least every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. It’s important to apply sunscreen at least 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure. Put sunscreen on your kids each day before they get dressed to make it part of their routine. Don’t forget ears, lips, shoulders and the nose. These areas are most susceptible to sun exposure.
4. Keep sunscreen on hand and make application a habit. Don’t rely on one bottle of sunscreen to protect your family all summer long. Keep sunscreen handy anywhere that you may need to apply — in your medicine cabinet, your car, your beach bag, on the kitchen counter, and your kids’ summer sports bags.
How to manage your money in changing times
(NC) Changes in the economy do more than create dramatic headlines—they have a real impact on your personal finances. Any number of factors can affect your ability to meet expenses, from rising costs of living and interest rates or changes to your employment, to changes in your family or health. But remember, you always have options. Here are some things you can do that make a difference:
Create a budget
Making a budget will help you manage your money. It will let you identify your income and expenses, separate things you need from those you want and prepare you for unexpected situations. Don’t know where to start? Try the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada’s budget planner, a free and unbiased tool that helps you to create a personalized budget. It gives you tips and guidelines and helps you figure out your next steps with suggestions.
Make
a
plan to pay off your debt
Making a list of all your debts and the amounts you owe is the first step to lowering your debt. Then, set a reasonable, affordable payment timeframe for each debt. Paying off the highest-interest debts first helps reduce your monthly expenses, which you can put towards the others to help you be debt-free sooner.
Avoid taking on more debt
During difficult times, having debt can add even more stress. Before borrowing more money, consider all your options. If borrowing is necessary, make sure you understand the costs before making your decision. Some credit products are more expensive than others because of their high interest rates and fees. The best way to avoid taking on more debt is by talking to your bank about other options.
Seek advice
If you’re struggling to keep up with your payments, talk to your creditors or bank to find solutions. They could decide to lower the interest rate on your debt, extend your payments over a longer period or reduce your minimum monthly payment. They could also offer to consolidate your debts into one loan.
If you feel like you’re under water and there’s no way for you to ever get on top of your debts, there are still options; for instance, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee can help you get back on track. Have questions? The Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy has resources and information you can trust.
School’s out and so are the kids
With school closing its doors for summer vacation break, you are likely to encounter more kids as they take to the parks and other recreation areas for some summer fun. To enhance road safety for children during times when they are out of school, it’s crucial to increase awareness among drivers, parents, and children.
Drivers should be mindful of potential hazards, especially in areas where kids might be playing or walking.
Here are a few tips:
For drivers:
• Pay close attention to the road and surroundings, especially when children are present.
• Slow down and maintain a safe following distance: This allows for quicker reaction time in case of unexpected situations.
• Be aware of signs like balls, bikes, or kids’ play areas that indicate children may be present.
• Driving with headlights on, even during the day, enhances visibility for children and other road users.
• Check for children who might be hidden behind parked cars or buses.
For parents:
• Emphasize the importance of looking both ways before crossing,
using crosswalks, and being aware of traffic.
• Rehearse road crossing scenarios in quiet areas before moving to busier roads.
• Help children understand the importance of being seen by drivers, especially in low-light conditions. Reflective clothing is a great idea for twilight and early evening hours.
• Set clear rules for crossing the street. Explain that they should only cross at designated crosswalks and always look left, right, and left again before crossing.
Parents should encourage their kids to:
• Follow traffic signals and road signs: Teach them the meaning of different signals and signs and obey them.
• Use designated crosswalks: Teach them to always use crosswalks when crossing the street to avoid dangerous situations.
• Be aware of their surroundings: Encourage your kids to stay alert and be aware of traffic, even when walking on sidewalks or in playgrounds.
• Stay on sidewalks and walkways: Instruct your kids to avoid walking in the street or on roads.
Advice for healthier teeth
Maintaining a healthy smile involves caring for your gums and keeping your teeth clean.
Here are four tips to help you achieve a healthy smile.
Create a routine
Follow the “rule of two” for maintaining oral health: brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time and visit your dentist twice a year.
Don’t forget to floss
Flossing correctly removes plaque and food particles between your teeth where brushing may not reach. Plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, so dentists recommend flossing daily. When flossing, gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, moving the strand up and down and side to side. If you tend to skip flossing before bed, try doing it right after a meal instead.
Care for your gums
Healthy gums are essential for a strong foundation for your teeth. It is important to take care of your gums to support overall oral health.
Maintain healthy habits
Consistent care for your mouth, teeth, and gums can help prevent bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. Practice good oral hygiene every day as an investment in your oral health for both the present and the future. During times when health is a priority, small daily changes can have a positive impact.
Zone Comfort
Safety Meeting Understanding the power of lightning
Today’s safety meeting is about how to stay safe during
Thunderstorms can be quite exciting when watched from a distance. The forks of lightning blazing down from the sky look amazing and the claps of thunder remind us just how strong Mother Nature can be.
But lightning strikes are dangerous and can cause serious damage to forests, property, animals and people. That’s why it’s important to know what to do when an extreme weather event like a thunderstorm happens.
Lightning is an electrical discharge caused by a build-up of static electricity between thunderclouds, or between thunderclouds and the ground. It can deliver as much as 100 million volts of electricity and strike a target up to 16 kilometres away, making it an extremely dangerous form of severe weather.
Thunder is the noise created when air suddenly expands from the heat of a lightning discharge. If you count the seconds between a flash of lightning and a thunderclap, you can tell approximately how close the lightning is to you: each second representing about 300 metres.
Canada.ca tells us that each year lightning kills approximately 10 Canadians and injures approximately 100 to 150 others. Remember that if you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning. As soon as you hear thunder, you should find shelter immediately. If you cannot find a sturdy, fully enclosed building with wiring and plumbing, get into a metal-roofed vehicle. Stay inside for 30 minutes after the last rumble of
thunder. Every time you hear thunder rumble you need to restart the clock until 30 minutes has passed and there has been no thunder heard.
Once indoors, stay away from electrical appliances and equipment, doors, windows, fireplaces, and anything else that will conduct electricity, such as sinks, tubs and showers. Avoid using a telephone connected to a landline. Power down and unplug your computer and shut down and unplug all gaming consoles as well, especially if you are using controllers that are connected to your console by wire. If you are on a wireless laptop with no wire connecting it to a power source, then
thunderstorms.
the computer and you are safe from the risk of being hit by lightning.
If you are in your car during lightning, do not park under tall objects that could fall, and do not get out if there are fallen power lines nearby. You should know that a car’s tires do not help insulate the car. Lightning will flash over the frame of the car and not hurt anyone inside the vehicle. However, electronic equipment may be damaged in the car. That is why you shouldn’t touch anything metal or electrical inside the vehicle.
If you are caught outside, do not stand near tall objects or anything made of metal, and avoid open water. Take shelter in a low-lying area, even lying down on the ground if you have to.
If caught on the water in a small boat, quickly get to shore. If your boat has a cabin, you can take shelter there temporarily but do not stay on the water.
Remember that there is no safe place outdoors during a thunderstorm. Once in a safe location, remain there for 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder you hear before resuming your outdoor activities.
People who have been struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge and can be safely handled. However, victims may be suffering from burns or shock and should receive medical attention immediately. If you come across someone who has been struck, call for medical assistance immediately.
B)
Zone Comfort Zone Comfort
You should quickly get to shore if you are caught on the water in a small boat during a thunderstorm.
Safety Meeting Quiz
Understanding the power of lightning
You should stay inside your vehicle during a thunderstorm but be careful not to touch anything metal or electrical inside the car.
If you are using a desktop computer at home you should:
A)
B) Keep working because it doesn’t matter.
C) Put it to sleep and don’t worry.
There is no safe spot outdoors during a thunderstorm.
Attendance Sheet
Understanding the power of lightning
Date of Meeting: ____________________________ Topic: __________________________________
Location: __________________________________
Department:_____________________________
Start Time: __________ Finish Time: __________ Meeting Leader: __________________________
Have meeting attendees sign this sheet: