Have a great, safe summer
WATER SAFETY: Drownings are the leading cause of injury and death for young children ages 1 to 4 years old.
• Always have adult supervision when in or around water.
• Teach young children how to swim.
• Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
• Install a four-sided fence around home pools.
• Wear a properly fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) while around water.

HEAT and SUN SAFETY: Heat-related illness happens when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. Prevention is the best defense from heat-related illness.
• Never leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car.
• Dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully, for morning or evening hours.
• Use sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 protection.
• Check and maintain playground equipment.

FIRE SAFETY: Every day nationally, at least one child dies from a home fire and another 293 children are injured from fires or burns.
• If you have a fire emergency call 9-1-1from a neighbor’s phone.
• Remember “Get out, Stay Out.”
• Don’t play with matches and lighters.
• Have a family evacuation plan, and practice it.
• Check your smoke alarms monthly.
• Have two ways out of every room.

So far this year Americus Fire & Emergency Services personnel have participated in over 1,000 hours of training, ranging from basic fire fighter training, interior search & rescue, active shooter awareness, pump service testing, preparing for initial company officer, annual live fire evolutions to youth fire setting and prevention intervention level I.

Allen Erkhart is chief, Americus Fire & Emergency Services. He will retire May 30 after 44 years of service to the City of Americus.