Hurricane season began June 1, 2019 and will run through November 30. As hurricanes become more prevalent in surrounding areas of Georgia, so does the economic impact on its communities. Prepare for intense weather condition now with these safety tips.

• Know your area’s risk of hurricanes.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• If you are at risk for flash flooding, watch for warning signs such as heavy rain.
• Practice going to a safe shelter for high winds, such as a FEMA safe room or ICC 500 storm shelter. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is not subject to flooding.

For additional hurricane preparedness tips and safety information, visit:
https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

Stay informed, stay prepared!

With May temperatures having already peaked to 102 degrees, everyone is encouraged to exercise best practices for preventing heat-related illnesses and injuries.

Below are a few tips for beating hot weather this summer season.

Wear Appropriate Clothing: Lightweight fabrics, light-colors, and loose-fitting clothing will help repel heat when you are outdoors.

Stay Cool Indoors: Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. If you do not have access to an area with air conditioning, call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.

Wear Sunscreen: Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated. Protect your skin from harmful UV rays and long-term damage.

Stay Hydrated: Even when you don’t feel thirsty, be sure to drink plenty of fluids.

Extreme heat may be dangerous, but it doesn’t have to ruin a summer full of fun. Stay informed about upcoming temperatures in your area, and learn the signs of heat-related illnesses.

For additional tips and resources on how you can better protect yourself, family and friends from extreme heat, visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html

Join the National Safety Council in observing June as National Safety Month to increase safety awareness. National Safety Month focuses on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road and in our homes and communities.

See the“Poster for the Month” and “Tip Sheets” below pertaining to said topics. 

Poster for the Month
Week #1
Hazard Recognition
What If? If there is a HAZARD and EXPOSURE YOU need a CONTROL in place.
Week #2Falls – Don’t Get Trippped Up
Fall, Slips and Trips are Georgia’s  #1 Injury type with over 1,000 injuries this year, 23% of our Total.  These Claims will end up costing the State nearly $14,000,000. Same level walking is the main problem area.  Walking, don’t take it for granted. 

Did you know National Safety Council has a Ladder Safety App? Find it here:https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/falls/mobileapp.html 

Week #3
Fatigue
To do our jobs effectively, we have to maintain our bodies.  The State of Georgia’s #2 injury is Strains and Sprains.  You have got to get the proper rest before work and driving!

Week #4
Impairment

Driving injuries are in our top 10 for frequency.  But Driving Injuries costs are in the top 5 injury causes.  Along with costs comes a lot of pain.  50% of the State Employee deaths in 2018 were from auto accidents. 

For additional resources, visit:
https://www.nsc.org/work-safety/get-involved/national-safety-month