HOPE VALLEY- WYOMING FIRE DISTRICT

July Newsletter for Seniors

SENIOR ADVOCATES Ron Mowchan and Bill Day

BOOM!
July is the official start of summertime! People will be out picnicking, partying, boating, biking, playing sports and going the fantastic Rhode Island beaches and parks.

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The first item of concern is 4th of July safety.
Unless you are experienced in using Class “A” fireworks, it is best to stay away and be an observer leaving things to a professional. It is difficult to read this newsletter with missing fingers or hands, or loss of eyesight.
Annually, injury from fireworks averages about 5,500. Children under 15 years of age experience 36% of those injuries. Another 70% involve men who know all there is to know. Another big concern is fireworks cause many brush fires. If, accidently, starting a brush fire, CALL 911.
With ever increasing summer temperatures, extreme heat conditions can cause a quick death. Below is a chart which shows the increase in temperature in a closed motor vehicle.

BE AWARE OF…
Outside temperature Inside temp after 10 minutes Inside temp after 30 minutes

70 degrees 89 degrees 104 degrees
85 degrees 104 degrees 119 degrees
95 degrees 114 degrees 129 degrees

REMEMBER – HEAT KILLS CHILDREN AND PETS
 While involved in summer sports - use safe guidelines.
 Hiking – wear appropriate clothing; keep hydrated; know the area; carry a cellphone; advise someone where you are going and plan to return.
 Swimming – swim in supervised areas only. Never swim alone; alcohol and drugs don’t mix with water; watch children playing near or in the water; use sunscreen SPF 30 or higher; wear proper body covering to prevent sunburn or heat stroke.
 Boating – If you go out on the water looking for Mermaids, or for the ladies…..Mermen, ensure you are wearing your PFS’s (personal flotation device). One slip can be disastrous.
As with most summer related events, alcohol is often used and abused. Because it’s hot outside, people tend to drink more. Intoxication while driving, swimming, biking, hiking and other activities can lead to serious medical conditions, and the possibility of arrest.

We are finally starting to win the battle with the COVID virus. If you are not yet vaccinated, call your local pharmacy for information. To ease everyone’s mind, Bill and I have both been fully vaccinated….and the government is not controlling our minds nor been tracking our movements through microchips.

Continuing with stress management is still being advised by Police, Fire and Ambulance. The sites below may be helpful.
1. BHLINK.ORG 401-414-LINK (5465)
2. HOPERECOVERYCENTER.ORG 401-619-1343
3. SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE 800-273-TALK (8255)

HAVE A SAFE AND STRESS FREE JULY!