Safety Tips
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Simple precautions can help keep you and your family safe at home, on the road and outdoors.
Be prepared for an emergency
An emergency can happen at any time. Your household should be prepared to manage for at least 72 hours without services such as electricity or running water.
Keep an emergency kit somewhere easy to find. Include:
- drinking water
- non-perishable food
- flashlight and extra batteries
- battery-powered or wind-up radio
- first aid supplies
- important medications
- copies of important contact information
- supplies for children, pets or anyone with additional needs
Make sure everyone in your household knows where the kit is kept.
Stay safe on the road
Every year in Canada, about 10,000 children (from infants to 12-year-olds) are hurt or killed on the roads. Make sure your children are always buckled-up properly and in an appropriate car or booster seat while in the car, even for short trips.
Children in Ontario are required to be in a booster seat until they are 80 lbs, are 8 years old or 4 feet, 9 inches tall. It's best to provide car or booster seats until the seat belt fits them properly. These regulations may vary from province to province.
Remember, the back seat is always the safest place for your children. Learn what child car seats are right for your baby, toddler or small child and how to install it to keep them safe.
Summer Safety
Stay safe in hot weather
Keep cool and hydrated and minimize your time in the sun. Drink plenty of water, find shade, visit cool buildings, slow down, bathe in cool water and wear light-coloured clothing.
Never leave children or pets inside a locked vehicle. When the outside air temperature is 23 degrees Celsius (73 degrees Fahrenheit), the inside of a vehicle can be more than 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit).
Stay safe around water
Whether you're swimming, boating or spending time near a lake or river:
- wear a properly fitted life jacket or personal flotation device when boating
- keep young children within arm's reach around water
- avoid swimming during storms or poor weather
- in the spring, use extra caution around fast-moving water where banks around rivers and lakes could erode
- never swim alone when conditions may be unsafe
Protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks
Avoid being outside at dawn or dusk, when mosquitos are most active. Keep in mind that ticks are often found along trail edges, mostly in wooded areas or tall grass
When spending time outdoors:
- use insect repellent as directed
- wear light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to spot
- wear long sleeves and pants when walking through tall grass or wooded areas
- check yourself, children and pets for ticks after being outdoors
Wear the right helmet
A properly fitted helmet can help prevent a serious head injury.
Wear the appropriate helmet when:
- cycling
- skateboarding
- inline skating
- skiing
- snowboarding
- snowmobiling
Make sure the helmet fits properly and is designed for the activity.
Find shelter while camping
If strong winds, hail or a tornado is developing while you're camping in a tent or tent-trailer, move to the closest building or hard-topped vehicle. If no shelter is available, seek refuge deep in a thick stand of trees in the lowest lying area.
Winter Safety
Stay fire safe: Winter is a busy season for fires.
- Ensure you have working smoke alarms
- Do not leave candles burning unattended
- Quickly put lids on pots if they catch fire while cooking
Outdoor Activities
For hiking, snowmobiling or other backcountry activities, consider completing a trip plan and leaving it with someone you trust.
Have all the necessary equipment for whatever activity you're planning. For example, if you're visiting avalanche terrain, pack a probe, beacon and shovel.
Seek training: Train for the adventure and stay within your limits.
Check weather reports: When severe winter weather threatens, Environment Canada issues special alerts to notify Canadians in affected areas so that they can take steps to protect themselves and their property.
Dress appropriately: Wear a helmet when skiing, skating, snowboarding or snowmobiling. Dress in layers to avoid hypothermia and keep your head, ears and hands covered to prevent frostbite.
Questions About Paramedic Services?
4 Victoria Avenue North, Lindsay, ON, K9V 4E5
Telephone: 705-878-1284
Toll free: 1-888-822-2225 extension 3314
Email: paramedicengagement@kawarthalakes.ca
