Tips on how to prevent fires if you’re a smoker, swimming pool health and boating safety information.

1. Health and Safety Podcast June 2, 2010

2. Topics June 2, 2010: Preventing fires. Swimming pool health. Boating safety.

3. Preventing Fires Be sure to completely douse cigarette butts and ashes with water before throwing them away, as they can smolder and cause a fire. Never smoke in bed. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fr

4. Preventing Fires Provide large, deep ashtrays with a center support for smokers. Check furniture for any dropped ashes before going to bed. Empty ashes into a fireproof container with water and sand. Keep smoking materials away from anything that can burn.

5. Preventing Fires Never smoke in a home where oxygen is being used. If you smoke, choose fire-safe cigarettes. They are less likely to cause fires. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fr

6. Preventing Fires To prevent a deadly cigarette fire, you must be alert. You won’t be if you are sleepy, have been drinking or have taken medicine or other drugs. Keep matches and lighters up high, out of children’s sight and reach www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fr

7. Swimming Pools CDC study found 1 out of 8 public pools were closed due to serious code violations. Don′t swim when you have diarrhea. Don′t swallow pool water. Practice good hygiene. Take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often.

8. Swimming Pools Change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area; not at poolside. Wash your children thoroughly with soap and water before they go swimming. Check pool water qualityyourself using test stripspurchased at a local store.

9. Swimming Pools Ask the pool operator about chlorine and pH levels and the latest pool inspection score. The pH is probably the most important factor in swimming pool water. It should be tested and adjusted weekly. Call 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming.

10. Boating Safety Before you get on the water: Complete an online boating safety course. Properly prepare your vessel for the water. Make sure it is well equipped. Perform a vessel safety check. File a float plan to tell others where you will be boating.

11. Boating Safety While on the water: Make sure that life jackets are within reach. Children and people who are considered weaker swimmers should wear their life jackets.

12. Boating Safety While on the water: Be aware of your surroundings, other boaters and your speed. Keep an eye out for other boaters in distress; be willing to help if needed.

13. Boating Safety While on the water: Avoid alcohol whileboating. It can loweryour awareness andyour ability torespond to a situation. Be aware of your surroundings, otherboaters and your speed. * Photo Courtesy of The U.S. Coast Guard.

14. Additional Information www.fairfaxcounty.gov www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency 9-1-1 – Emergency police, fire, medical. 703-691-2131 – Non-emergency.