safety newsletter

10
Spring, 2009 Volume 1, Issue 3 A Note from Merritt Burke, Community Traffic Safety Program Coordinator Merritt Burke Safety Extension Associate Welcome to the third edition of the University of Delaware Safety Extensions newsletter! In this issue we are fortunate to have several new guest authors, including a local Kent County student summarizing Smyrna High School traffic safety program for the National Youth Traffic Safety Month “Act Out Loud” contest. Additionally, we have articles on seat belts, corporate outreach, bike safety, pedestrian safety, youth education, and windshield safety. I am truly amazed how the newsletter seems to have become the foundation for safety news in Sussex County. Speaking of Sussex County, I would like to briefly inform our readers about the First Annual Cape Henlopen State Park Safety Day in Lewes, DE on April 18 th from 10-2 pm. Cpl. Andy Manning of the Delaware State Parks and I have planned a Safety Fair that includes the following organizations: U.S. Coast Guard, Lewes Fire Department, State Farm Insurance, Lewes Police Department, Delaware State Police, Delaware Fish and Wildlife, DelDOT, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, Delaware State Fire School, Lewes Cub Scouts, Quest Fitness and Kayak, Beebe Medical Center, Delaware Surfrider Foundation, Sussex County EMS, Seaford Harley Davidson, Rehoboth Police Department, and Grotto Pizza. There will be interactive activities and informational display tables, including a Bike Rodeo for kids and a SIDNE, impaired driving demo, for teens and adults. Oh, and don’t forget the Lewes Fire Department Fire Rescue Boat Demo off the beach. What an exciting day! In closing, I would like to thank all the safety contributors who have written articles, provided support and allowed me to grow the Community Traffic Safety Program over the last 10 months. Don’t forget, all of the CTSP programs are now on the web at www.udel.edu (click on Safety). Take care and Buckle Up, Merritt Burke Community Traffic Safety Program Coordinator (CTSP) Contact me: (302) 856-2585 x584 Email: [email protected] SIDNE participant in Milford, DE Bayhealth Mocktail Merritt Burke, CTSP, educating students at Central Middle School in Dover, DE Walk the Line participant in Slaugh- ter Beach, DE

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Page 1: Safety Newsletter

Spring, 2009 Volume 1, Issue 3

A Note from Merritt Burke, Community Traffic Safety Program Coordinator

Merritt Burke

Safety Extension Associate

Welcome to the third edition of the University of Delaware Safety Extensions newsletter!

In this issue we are fortunate to have several new guest authors, including a local Kent

County student summarizing Smyrna High School traffic safety program for the National

Youth Traffic Safety Month “Act Out Loud” contest. Additionally, we have articles on seat

belts, corporate outreach, bike safety, pedestrian safety, youth education, and windshield

safety. I am truly amazed how the newsletter seems to have become the foundation for

safety news in Sussex County.

Speaking of Sussex County, I would like to briefly inform our readers about the First

Annual Cape Henlopen State Park Safety Day in Lewes, DE on April 18th from

10-2 pm. Cpl. Andy Manning of the Delaware State Parks and I have planned a Safety

Fair that includes the following organizations: U.S. Coast Guard, Lewes Fire Department,

State Farm Insurance, Lewes Police Department, Delaware State Police, Delaware Fish

and Wildlife, DelDOT, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, Delaware State Fire

School, Lewes Cub Scouts, Quest Fitness and Kayak, Beebe Medical Center, Delaware

Surfrider Foundation, Sussex County EMS, Seaford Harley Davidson, Rehoboth Police

Department, and Grotto Pizza. There will be interactive activities and informational

display tables, including a Bike Rodeo for kids and a SIDNE, impaired driving demo, for

teens and adults. Oh, and don’t forget the Lewes Fire Department Fire Rescue Boat

Demo off the beach. What an exciting day!

In closing, I would like to thank all the safety contributors who have written articles,

provided support and allowed me to grow the Community Traffic Safety Program over the

last 10 months. Don’t forget, all of the CTSP programs are now on the web at

www.udel.edu (click on Safety).

Take care and Buckle Up,

Merritt Burke

Community Traffic Safety Program Coordinator (CTSP)

Contact me:

(302) 856-2585 x584

Email:

[email protected]

SIDNE participant in Milford, DE

Bayhealth Mocktail

Merritt Burke, CTSP, educating students at

Central Middle School in Dover, DE Walk the Line participant in Slaugh-

ter Beach, DE

Page 2: Safety Newsletter

About OHS Corporate Outreach

By: Patricia Bachman, Corporate Outreach Coordinator

Page 2 UD Safety Extensions

Whether

you run a

small

business, or

are a safety

manager or

employee

of a large

company,

there is

something

to gain

from

participat-

ing in

Corporate

Outreach.

Hi! I’m Trish Bachman, the Corporate Outreach Coordinator for the Office of High-

way Safety. I have been with the staff of OHS for nearly 2 years, and have over 10

years experience working in traffic safety. I am proud to be part of the OHS fam-

ily, and enjoy working with the community to make our roads safe.

Exactly what does a Corporate Outreach Coordinator do? In simple terms, I work

with employers across the state to bring traffic safety education and awareness to

the hundreds of thousands of people who live and work in Delaware with the goal

of saving lives and reducing injury, both on and off the clock.

Whether you run a small business, or are a safety manager or employee of a large

company, there is something to gain from participating in Corporate Outreach.

What is the best part? Participation in Corporate Outreach Programs is absolutely

free of charge.

Monthly Traffic Safety Newsletter:

Each month, I send out an electronic newsletter outlining the major priority area

for the month. Each newsletter includes clear graphics and links to program infor-

mation and resources that are available. The format is perfect for distribution to

your internal email list, or to print for your co-workers and associates. Upcoming

newsletters include: Bike Safety, DUI awareness, and Motorcycle Safety.

Standing Order Distribution of Program Materials:

Corporate Partners are given the opportunity to be placed on a Standing Order Dis-

tribution List, which enables them to receive program materials in the quantity they

require and in the format that best suits the needs of their employees. Each pack-

age of materials is designed to reflect the major program of the time frame and

may include posters, flyers, and table tents.

I enjoy working with the Community Traffic Safety Program Coordinators, who are

an invaluable asset to the Corporate Outreach Program. Together, we are here to

serve the needs of businesses and agencies statewide for safety presentations, tail-

gate briefings, interactive programs, and safety fairs. For more information, please

go to our website at www.ohs.delaware.gov and click on Corporate Outreach Pro-

grams. I look forward to working with you!

If you like what you see, and would like to receive this newsletter via email, please contact

Lisa Collins at [email protected] to have your name added to our e-list!

Contributors are also welcome!

Email [email protected] to submit your article for consideration. Photos of events and ac-

tivities pertaining to CTSP programs are welcome!

Please include your name, email address, phone number and affiliation.

We’re on the Web! Find us at www.ag.udel.edu/extension/safety

Page 3: Safety Newsletter

Page 3

Motorists Urged to “Share the Road”

By: Lisa Shaw, Community Relations Officer

Bicycles vs. Motorists

The increased cost of gasoline is

changing the way the motoring public

gets around town. You’ve probably

noticed more motorcycles, more scooters, and

more people on foot. But perhaps most noticeable

is the increase in bicycle traffic on our roadways.

Unfortunately, bicycles may be the toughest vehi-

cles for motorists to spot, which leads to an in-

creased number of crashes involving cyclists.

In 2007 there were no bicyclist fatalities, and there

were 100 injuries resulting from bicycle crashes. In

2008, bicycle fatalities jumped to six, and injuries

increased to 121. The average age of a cyclist in-

volved in a fatal crash is 54. Further, 26% of the

bicycle injuries involved children under age 15.

The peak bicycle crash areas are in Dover, Wil-

mington, Newark, Route 1 between Milford and the

resort beaches, and the intersection of Route 1 and

Route 26. Be extremely cautious when driving or

cycling in these areas.

The Office of Highway Safety urges all bicyclists to

wear all appropriate safety gear. Although helmets

are not legally required for adult riders, they are

88% effective in mitigating head and brain injuries

if the unthinkable happens; wearing a bicycle hel-

met is the single most effective way to save your

life if you’re involved in a bike crash! Also, remem-

ber to use shoulders when available, and always

ride with the flow of traffic. A bicycle is a vehicle!

Motorists are urged to share the road with cyclists.

Cyclists use the shoulder of the road whenever pos-

sible, but there are times the shoulder is not clear

or is unsafe. Always follow posted speed limits and

avoid aggressive driving behaviors. Also, be extra-

vigilant in the low-light conditions of early morning

and early evening. Remember, cyclists have as

much right to the roadway as a motor vehicle;

courtesy and caution can save lives. You may con-

tact Lisa at [email protected].

2005 2006 2007 2008

Fatalities 2 4 0 6

Injuries 86 119 100 121

Volume 1, Issue 3

www.ag.udel.edu/extension/safety

We’re on the Web! Find us at www.ag.udel.edu/extension/safety

Lisa Shaw, DE OHS

Pedestrians vs. Motorists

It’s a fact; there is more pedestrian traffic across

Delaware. Unfortunately, that increase also leads

to an increase in traffic crashes involving pedestri-

ans. In 2007, 17 pedestrians were killed and 258

pedestrians were injured. In 2008*, those num-

bers increased to 21 fatalities and 267 injuries.

The average age of a pedestrian involved in a fatal

crash is 47. Further, only 14% of the pedestrian

injuries involved children under age 15. The prob-

lem is clearly an adult one. The peak pedestrian

crash areas are in Dover, Milford, Seaford, Laurel,

Wilmington, Route 2 (Kirkwood Highway), and

Route 40. Be extremely cautious when driving or

walking in these areas.

The Office of Highway Safety urges all pedestrians

to be extra-vigilant when walking on the shoulder

of the road, and especially when walking across

lanes of travel. It is always safer to cross at inter-

sections, and is essential to obey all traffic signals.

When walking in low-light or dark conditions, al-

ways carry a light source and wear light colored or

reflective clothing. If your vehicle becomes dis-

abled, it is safer to remain in the vehicle and wait

for help.

Motorists are urged to be alert for

pedestrian traffic. In urban areas,

anticipate someone may step out

from between parked cars, or may unexpectedly

step into the lanes of travel. On highways, be alert

for vehicles on the roadside and anticipate some-

one may be outside the vehicle. When possible,

move to the far lane. In rural areas, motorists may

encounter pedestrians in the roadway, as many ru-

ral roads do not have shoulders. In all cases, obey

posted speed limits and avoid aggressive driving

behaviors.

We can all do our part to help lower the number of

pedestrian traffic crashes. Take precautions; be

alert and expect the unexpected, whether walking

or driving. Together we can make a difference!

*2008 data is preliminary

2005 2006 2007 2008

Fatalities 10 27 17 21

Injuries 210 269 258 267

Page 4: Safety Newsletter

Page 4 UD Safety Extensions

Keep your

eyes on the

road and

adhere to

the tips

and

informatio

n that will

be coming

up from

the

Soaring

Eagles. It

may just

save your

life.

Every year Act Out Loud, a division at

National Organization for Youth Safety

sponsors a contest for safe driving. This

year five students at Smyrna High

School were chosen to participate in the

national contest.

Emiley Conboy, Kasey Spadafino, Melissa

Hubert, Kailyn Asbury, and Maggie Hum-

phrey are all juniors and are members of

the team that is trying to make the

roads a safer place. The team name is

Soaring Eagles and their motto is “Eagles

Drive to Save Lives.”

The contest is running March through

May. During this time the group will be

taping and blogging about their attempts

to influence the public to drive safely.

The Soaring Eagles are taking several

avenues to accomplish their goals. They

are running a weekly column in the Ea-

gle Eye portion of the community news-

paper, the Smyrna-Clayton Sun Times.

To go along with these tips there will be

commercials that will be on the morning

announcements, as well as posters hung

up all over school.

The team is sponsoring safe driving

pledges and is encouraging students and

faculty to sign them. There will be pic-

tures taken of students who sign them

and they will be put on display.

There is also a Facebook group dedicated

to the Soaring Eagles and their safe driv-

ing campaign. Students who support the

cause are welcome to join.

The team also has created a special

ribbon with a road pattern that will

be given out to those who sup-

port the cause and want to raise

awareness for the various

dangers of bad driving habits.

A member of the team, Kasey

Spadafino says, “It’s a great way to pro-

mote the cause of safe driving, and I am

excited for the activities to come.”

At lunch the team also has done several

activities with the student body. There

was a bubble-bowing contest with cookie

incentives that remind the students to

“Blow a Bubble not a Breathalyzer.”

For distracted driving the team did sur-

veys regarding unsafe driving with cell

phones, I-pods etc. Then an attention

game was played with them to show the

importance of being attentive in the car.

The team has also completed a seat belt

check for those students who drive to

school. The drivers were given smarties

candy for buckling up and a dum-dum

lollipop if they weren’t buckled. Overall

there were only seven students out of

118 that were unbuckled. Hopefully our

check reminded all of the dangers of

driving without a seatbelt.

Merritt Burke IV, Community Traffic Co-

ordinator at the University of Delaware

Cooperative Extension, lent his expertise

to the team. On March 25, he came to

the school and assisted the team in

painting a “buckle-up” sign on the road.

This is in an effort to remind students to

be safe and use their belts on their way

out of the school.

The final results of the contest will be

determined by a vote near the end of the

school year. Keep your eyes on the road

and adhere to the tips and information

that will be coming up from the Soaring

Eagles. It may just save your life.

Be sure to track our progress at actout-

load.org. Go to the Smyrna Eagles team

page. You can go here May 11-22 and

vote. You can vote once a day for the

duration of the time.

SHS Students Compete in Driving Contest

By: Emiley Conboy, Smyrna High School Eagle Eye Community News

www.Actoutloud.org

Page 5: Safety Newsletter

Page 5

Volume 1, Issue 3

www.ag.udel.edu/extension/safety

CDYC/YELL and its advisors, Nyia McCants, Project Coordinator and Tina Lanouette, Wellness Center So-

cial Worker are coordinating the 1st Annual CDYC/YELL Youth Festival on April 25, 2009 at Dover

High School from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. This event is one of two major events made possible as a re-

sult of the United States Department of Education - Grants to Reduce Alcohol Abuse grant awarded to

Capital School District last June.

The newly formed Dover High School chapter of the Central Delaware Youth Coalition has joined with the

previously existing YELL student group to form CDYC/YELL. This group of young people is dedicated to

reducing alcohol abuse among underage drinkers, changing the negative perception that alcohol is less

harmful by all - students, parents and the community at large, and reducing death and injury of youth

on Delaware’s highways, in schools, and communities through preventive programs.

This fun-filled community event will feature AfroFlow Recording Artist, Mike E. Dover High School is just

one of the stops along his tour which is sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Merritt Burke, from

the University of Delaware Community Traffic Safety Program (CTSP) will introduce youth to SIDNE to

show how driving under the influence can impact the driver. In addition, youth can pre-

register to participate in a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, Tennis Clinic/Competition,

and Battle of the Bands. Adults can visit the exhibits which will provide information on

prevention and intervention services available in the community to address substance

abuse, healthy relationships, and safety. There will also be vendors on site selling vari-

ous items to the community! Contact Nyia at [email protected].

1s t Annual CDYC/YELL Youth Festival in Dover, Delaware

By: Nyia McCants, ATOD Project Coordinator, Dover High School

At the University of Delaware and throughout Newark, there is definitely a lot more foot traffic as spring

begins to become a reality. However, I am not sure all of those walking passed Pedestrian Safety 101. I

see way too many people ignoring the basic rules of pedestrian safety. They put themselves in danger as

they are so vulnerable for injury as a pedestrian. Be “Walk-Smart” and follow these five simple rules:

1. Be visible. Have some reflective material on your body – I don’t want to hurt you, but I need to see

you. It is the law (most of us don’t know this) to carry a flashlight when you are walking at night.

2. Make sure you stop at the edge of the curb or road to make eye contact with the motorist to make

sure he sees you stepping into the road. Sometimes it is hard to judge whether or not the pedes-

trian is going to cross and that confuses drivers unless you make eye contact with them.

3. It is illegal to hitchhike!

4. Pedestrians must obey all traffic signals. Use the traffic lights and pedestrian traffic signals that are

at intersections. They are there to assist you to cross in the safest way. That concept doesn’t work if

you don’t use them. If pedestrians cross outside the intersection, right-of-way, or crosswalk, they

must yield to the motorist.

5. If your vehicle breaks down, stay in the car and call #77 or 9-1-1 for help. Standing

on the side of the roadway is dangerous ---don’t risk walking. You are much safer

in your car, buckled up.

Walk Smart by following Pedestrian Safety rules 101. Think before you cross -

to make walking a safe and enjoyable experience for all road users.

You may contact Cindy at (302) 831-8965, or at [email protected].

Walk-Smart 101

By: Cindy Genau, Community Traffic Safety, Univers ity of Delaware

Page 6: Safety Newsletter

Page 6 UD Safety Extensions

“. . .the

windshield is

now

considered

the third

most

important

safety feature

in your

vehicle

behind seat

belts and air

bags.”

Windshield Safety

By: Thomas Huff, President and CEO of Mr. Go -Glass

You’re driving down the road when you

see an object flying towards you. It

hits your windshield with a bang before

you can avoid it. The impact point

starts small and quickly spreads across

your windshield.

At some point in your life, this has

probably happened to you. Your first

call may have been to your insurance

company to check your coverage and

deductible. Although millions of wind-

shields are replaced every year, a

windshield is a more important part of

your vehicle than you may realize.

Most people assume their windshield’s

function is the same today as it was

when Henry Ford put them in the Model

T – to keep the bugs and rain out of

the passenger compartment. Today,

your windshield is designed to serve

many other functional purposes includ-

ing: heating / cooling management,

sound deafening, and mobile phone

communication.

In addition, as vehicle performance and

design has improved, the windshield is

now considered the third most impor-

tant safety feature in your vehicle be-

hind seat belts and air bags. There are

three critical safety considerations re-

lated to your windshield: passenger

retention, rollover strength, and air bag

performance. Each of these functions

depends on the proper installation of a

windshield to function properly.

The odds of surviving a crash are sub-

stantially greater if vehicle occupants

remain in the vehicle. The most impor-

tant consideration is the use of seat-

belts, but even if an occupant does not

wear their seat belt, if their windshield

stays and the passenger is retained in

the vehicle, their chance for survival is

much greater.

Today’s vehicles are designed so the

glass in the car and the windshield spe-

cifically provide roof strength in the

case of a rollover accident. A rule of

thumb is that the occupant of a vehicle

has about 5 inches of clearance be-

tween their head and the roof. In the

case of a rollover accident, if the roof is

crushed because the windshield fails,

the chances of injury from a roof crush

increase greatly.

Finally, passenger side air bags are

designed to brace themselves against

the windshield during deployment. If

the windshield is detached from the

vehicle during an accident, the air bag

has nothing to brace itself against and

will not cushion the passenger.

When you or your insurance company

select a company to replace your wind-

shield, research the replacement proc-

ess in advance to ensure you or your

insurance company have selected a

company that follows proper installa-

tion procedures. Websites such as

www.safewindshields.org are good

resources for consumers.

Thomas Huff is President / CEO of Mr.

Go-Glass, a leading auto glass installa-

tion company on the Delmarva Penin-

sula. Mr. Go-Glass

Seaford, DE location

Mr. Go-Glass, the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension and the Delaware Office of Highway Safety are

co-sponsoring a Safety Day on Saturday May 9 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at our Lewes store

located on 1400 Highway One. Contact Tom Huff or Ric Ross at 302-645-9340 for more information.

We are hoping to raise awareness of the dangers of impaired driving, with the SIDNE (Simulated Im-paired Driving Experience) Program. The date was selected, in part, because it is “Prom Season” and we

hope to further reinforce to students the importance of making safe choices on Prom Night.

Other contributors include: Tile Market, WaWa, Cape Wine & Spirits, Gallo Real Estate, Jeanine O’Donnell/State Farm Insurance, and Citizens Bank.

Page 7: Safety Newsletter

Teachers and

administrators

love the

program

because it

addresses state

content

standards

while showing

students that

the very

subjects they

are learning in

school today

will be

necessary for

their future

careers.

Page 7

Delaware Bus iness, Industry, Education (BIE) All iance

By: Robin Agar, Program Coordinator

The Delaware Business, Industry, Education (BIE) Alliance has served Delaware

schools for more than three decades, creating and coordinating free educational

programs utilizing volunteers from the business community. BIE is funded

through the Delaware Department of Education, serving more than 28,000

Delaware students annually. BIE brings business people into the schools and

educators into the business community, tapping into their common interests,

investments and needs to build practical working relationships between the part-

ners. We have a variety of programs that we coordinate, all of which are de-

pendent on community businesses and their involvement.

The What in the World? program exposes students to occupations that utilize

math, science, or a technology by bringing business professionals into the school

to share their occupational skills and expertise with the students. This exciting,

interactive program allows Delaware students to explore career paths that they

may have otherwise been unaware of. It’s a wonderful way for them to relate

their education to their future. This program can be organized for grades 3-12

and it will reach over 11,500 students in the state of Delaware in the 2008-2009

school year.

Teachers and administrators love the program because it addresses state

content standards while showing students that the very subjects they are learn-

ing in school today will be necessary for their future careers. The presenters are

a diverse group with years of experience in their fields who have a desire to

show our students how important education is.

An added bonus to the program is that it can also be used to impart safety infor-

mation to our students. Since Merritt Burke has joined the program in early

2009, he alone has reached about 1,300 students. He is able to talk to them

about the importance of education while also stressing traffic safety. The inter-

active part of his presentation, using fatal vision goggles is fascinating to the

students. He is truly making an impression on the students that he speaks to

and he is educating them about traffic safety as well as on how their education is

crucial to their future.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about BIE and our programs can

go to our website at: www.bie.k12.de.us or contact Robin Agar at

[email protected] or 302-284-8141.

Volume 1, Issue 3

www.ag.udel.edu/extension/safety

Emmalea Ernest, Vegetable Crops Associate

University of Delaware Cooperative Extension

Meteorologist Jennifer Walker WBOC News

Robin Parker and John Flyod

County Bank

Michael Bott and Glenn King DNREC

Detective John Justice

Delaware State Police

“Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which,

fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.“

John F. Kennedy

(1917-1963)

Page 8: Safety Newsletter

What You Need to Know When Towing A Camper

By: Rita Baty, Delaware Camping Center, Inc.

Page 8 UD Safety Extensions

“Out of

control

swaying is a

very

dangerous

situation and

has caused

many

campers to be

found on the

shoulder of

the road ...“

It's fun traveling with your home as you

explore the different regions of the coun-

try. However, before you leave home on

your first trip, there are many things you'll

need to take into consideration before you

can safely tow your camper to your desti-

nation.

Make sure the tow vehicle is the proper

size and has the tow capacity for your

camper. This information can be found in

your owner’s manual or contact your

dealer with your vehicle identification

number (VIN #) for the maximum tow rat-

ing on your vehicle.

The hitch equipment to safely connect

your tow vehicle to your trailer is essen-

tial. You will need a brake control to con-

trol the electric brakes on your camper.

The brake control sends electric impulses

through the trailer wiring to apply the

electric brakes on your camper. The brake

control is adjustable to vary how much

braking is applied by your camper so that

your tow vehicle and camper stop safely

by applying the brakes equally at the

same time.

An adjustable hitch head that can be

raised or lowered to match the level height

of your camper is also needed.

Weight distribution is very important in

maintaining the proper center of gravity in

an RV. This is accomplished by using load

equalizer bars. These bars are adjustable

so that the weight of you camper is equal

from front to back. If too much load is be-

hind the trailer axle, the camper will have

a tendency for the rear end to sway when

being towed.

One of the most important pieces of tow

equipment is the sway control. There are

different types of sway controls available

but their job is the same. Sway controls

stop your camper from swaying side to

side out of control if a semi-truck passes

you causing a vacuum or you find yourself

off the roadway and jerk the wheel back

onto the roadway. Out of control swaying

is a very dangerous situation and has

caused many campers to be found on the

shoulder of the road on its side or down an

embankment on its roof.

RVs are large and have many blind spots.

Mirrors properly installed on your tow ve-

hicle that are wide enough to allow you to

see completely down the side of your

camper can help prevent serious acci-

dents. These mirrors allow you to see that

the road is clear to pull out to pass or re-

turn to the lane after passing.

The last safe towing feature you should

have is the break away switch on your

camper. This switch has a removable pin

with a steel cable attached. This cable

must be connected to the tow vehicle at a

solid point, usually on the hitch or hitch

head. If the camper becomes disconnected

from the tow vehicle for any reason, the

pin is pulled from the switch by the cable

and the electric brakes are applied stop-

ping the camper.

In order to keep your friends and family

safe on your next trip, remember:

If your tow vehicle is not large enough

to safely tow your camper – Don’t Do

It!

If you don’t have an electric brake

control – Don’t Do It!

If the proper hitch equipment, load

equalizer bars and sway control are not

installed – Don’t Do It!

If you can’t see all the way down the

sides of your camper in the mirrors –

Don’t Do It!

The lives you save may be yours and

mine.

Buckle Up, Drive Safe, Camp Safe, Be Safe

Delaware Camping Center is located on 20983 DuPont Blvd., George-

town, DE. Find them on the web at: delawarecamptingctr.com.

Page 9: Safety Newsletter

Page 9

Volume 1, Issue 3

www.ag.udel.edu/extension/safety

A serious fire hazard around our homes is simple clutter. Combustibles too close to heat sources can

cause a fire quickly. Never place paint, gasoline or hazardous materials near heaters or appliances.

Take all things recyclable to the nearest facility. Newspapers, boxes and magazines can be a serious fire

load and are easily discarded in a manner safe to the environment.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources also reminds us that:

No Person shall dispose of refuse by open burning

No person shall have an open burn of a salvage nature

No person shall burn fallen leaves.

You should also check with DNREC regarding others regulations that affect disposal of

household materials. Just a few simple rules and common sense will keep our homes

safer from fire this Spring.

For further information regarding your families Safety from Fire contact the Delaware State Fire School

302-739-4773.

Food cooked on the grill is a tasty treat. The Delaware State Fire School reminds

you that outdoor cooking can also lead to tragedy. Use common sense and remember to

cook safely.

Use charcoal lighter fluid safely.

Never use gasoline to start or freshen a fire. Gasoline is explosive and much too

dangerous to use on grills.

Be cautious with charcoal lighter fluid also. Use on coals only before the fire is lit. If you try to

make the fire bigger by adding more fluid, the heat of the coals can ignite the stream of fluid and

burn back into the can causing it to explode in your hand.

Try using electric starters in place of lighter fluids.

Place grills on a steady surface. Do not use on balconies or under awnings.

Never bring a grill inside. The carbon monoxide produced can be dangerous in an enclosed

space.

Have a container of water or garden hose ready to extinguish a fire.

Keep children away from fires and grills.

Soak coals after cooking. Coals can remain hot for days.

Warmer Weather Brings Time for Spring Cleaning

By: Mike Lowe, Senior Instructor for Publ ic Education, Delaware State Fire School

Gril l Safety

By: Mike Lowe, Senior Instructor for Publ ic Education,

Delaware State Fire School

If you have knowledge, let others light their candles at it.

Margaret Fuller

(1810 - 1850)

Page 10: Safety Newsletter

Calendar of EventsCalendar of EventsCalendar of Events

April , 2009 National Work Zone Safety Month

Contact: Richard Toulson at (302) 659-4072

April 18, 2009 1st Annual Cape Henlopen Safety Day

Cape Henlopen State Park from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Contact: Merritt Burke at [email protected]

Earth Day Cleanup

Cape Henlopen State Park from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Contact: Melissa Dombrowski at [email protected]

April 22, 2009 Earth Day

April 25, 2009 1st Annual CDYC/YELL Youth Festival

Contact: Nyia McCants at (302) 672-1526 x2573

May 12-15, 2009 Child Passenger Safety Technician Class

Delaware State Fire School

Contact: Cindy Genau (302) 831-4973

May 22, 2009 Drug and Alcohol Youth Summit

Delaware State University from 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Contact: Nyia McCants at (302) 672-1526 x2573

June 6, 2009 Safety Day at Brecknock Park, Camden, DE

Brecknock Park from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Contact: Jim Brown at (302) 672-7635

July 4th Have a safe holiday!!

Leave the pyrotechnics to the experts!!

Elbert N. And Anne V. Carvel

Research and Education

Center

16483 County Seat Hwy.

Georgetown, DE 19947

Phone: (302) 856-7303

Fax: (302) 856-1845

University of Delaware

Cooperative Extension

DE Office of Highway Safety

www.ohs.delaware.gov

University of Delaware

Cooperative Extension

www.rec.udel.edu

DE Safe Kids Coalition

www.usa.safekids.org/

state_display.cfm

National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration

www.nhtsa.gov

For information on

impaired vision goggles

and the

SIDNE go-kart:

www.fatalvision.com

HERO Campaign

www.herocampaign.org

Virtual Bar Educator

www.b4udrink.org

Delaware YMCA

www.ymcade.org

"Cooperative Extension Education in Agriculture and Home Economics, University of Delaware, Delaware State University and the United States

Department of Agriculture cooperating. Distributed in furtherance of Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Delaware Cooperative Extension, University of Delaware. It is the policy of the Delaware

Cooperative Extension System that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex, disability, age or national origin."

Informative Webs ites:Informative Webs ites:Informative Webs ites:

Check out this month’s featured

website: www.fatalvision.com

Alcohol poisoning, date rape, alcohol-related crashes, failing

grades, STDs, unintentional pregnancy, aggressive behavior,

impaired driving and even death are often overlooked by teenag-

ers as potential consequences of drinking alcohol. Peer pressure and the need to

fit in are unfortunately too often reason enough for young people to put them-

selves at risk. Use the Fatal Vision Impairment Simulation Goggles and lesson

plan to deliver a d r a m a t i c a n d

memorable dem- onstration. With

prom season fast approaching, now is

the time to take action and help our

teens realize the truly dangerous

consequences of underage drinking.

Kit includes: five Fatal Vision gog-

gles: White, Bronze, Red, Silver, and Black Label, clear, one roll yellow and

black “walk-the-line” tape, Fatal Vision carrying case, five Fatal Vision cloth

bags, cleaning cloth, Fatal Vision program guide on CD, Underage Drinking:

Know the Facts, Know the Risks, DVD.

www.fatalvision.com