Celebrating Father's Day Safely

Father’s Day weekend is fast approaching and with it comes a variety of activities in all communities or some families choose to celebrate with their fathers at home.Whether you are out and about or staying at home, here are some things to remember so that the weekend is a safe and happy one:Viva la pool party!

• don’t forget your sunscreen. It’s so easy to forget, but you won’t that night or the next day.
• Keep a first aid kit on hand.
• Never leave children unattended; keep visual contact at all times.
• Inground pool? Not to be a spoiled sport, but always walk around the pool area.
• Do you own a pool? Have you considered taking a CPR course?
• Establish pool rules. These can include: swim with a buddy, children must have an adult with them at all times, and no glass containers around the pool.
• No diving in the shallow end of the pool

What’s a celebration without a BBQ?Here is a list of Do’s and Don’ts from the Technical Standards& Safety Authority:  TSSADo…Remember to always turn the gas valve on first.

• Keep gas hoses away from hot surfaces and hot grease.
• Keep children away from the gas valve and the grill.
• Keep loose clothing away from the hot barbecue.
• When you finish, turn the valve off first to allow the gas in the hose to be burned off, then turn off the burner controls so no gas remains trapped in the hose.
• Allow your barbecue to cool completely before covering it.
• When shopping for a new barbecue, look for the CSA Blue Flame Mark which shows that the BBQ meets recognized Canadian safety standards.

Don’t…

• Leave the barbecue unattended when in use.
• Allow grease to build up. Clean the burners and grill regularly to minimize the risk of a serious grease fire.
• Put water on a grease fire. It will only cause the flames to flare.
• Barbecue in an enclosed space, such as a garage. For ventilation and safety reasons, move your barbecue into the open at least 10 feet away from windows and doors.
• Place your barbecue near wooden fences or walls, beneath a combustible roof overhead or even under a tree with low branches. Be extra careful about the area behind the BBQ where hot gases escape and could create a fire hazard.

‘Tis the season for boating! Will your Father’s Day weekend involve some activities on the water?  Here are some boating safety equipment requirements from the Canadian Red Cross:  Canadian Red CrossAlong with your Pleasure Craft Operator Card, you are required by law to carry marine safety equipment.  At a bare minimum, you should always have with you:

• Canadian-approved floatation device or life jacket of appropriate size for each passenger on board
• Buoyant heaving line at least 15 metres in length
• Watertight flashlight OR Canadian approved flares – Type A,B or C
• Sound-signaling device
• Manual propelling device (i.e. paddle) OR an anchor with at least 15 metres of rope, chain or cable
• Bailer OR manual water pump
• Class 5 BC fire extinguisher

The Red Cross also recommends carrying the following on board:

• Marine First Aid Kit
• Drinking water
• Sun-screen
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Dry clothing (i.e. long-sleeved shirt)
• Snacks
• Waterproof matches
• Knife

The staff at W.C. Burgess Insurance wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Father’s Day Weekend!