Ready PA Monthly - June 2022

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

Pennsylvania’s Lightning Risk:

A striking statistic - Pennsylvania sees over 240,000 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes per year! We average five lightning strikes for each square mile of PA land in a given year. Lightning is dangerous and unpredictable, with bolts able to stretch over ten miles from the storm. It’s no wonder every Pennsylvanian is at risk for lightning strikes.

Since 1959, there have been 139 deaths from lightning in Pennsylvania. Across the U.S., statistics show most deaths occur outdoors, and the vast majority are males (80%). Common Pennsylvania summer activities like fishing, camping, farming, and boating top the list where the most people have been struck and killed. So, how can we stay safe?

Firework Safety

As millions of Pennsylvanians prepare to celebrate Independence Day, many will use fireworks to enhance their activities. But we all know that fireworks pose a real danger to personal safety and property. Approximately half of the injuries reported were burns, with the head, eyes, face, or ears being the most frequently impacted part of the body. Thirty-six percent of those injuries involved children under the age of 15.

Never allow children to play with fireworks, even sparklers, which can burn at temperatures of at least 1200 degrees.
Only allow adults to light fireworks one at a time, then quickly back away.
Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of a fire.
Never pick up or try to relight fireworks that have not fully ignited.
After the fireworks have burned, thoroughly douse them with water before picking them up or disposing to prevent trash fires.
Never use fireworks after consuming alcohol or other medications or substances that can impair judgment or the ability to react quickly to an emergency.
Whether attending a professional display or using consumer fireworks, always remain at a safe distance from the ignition location.
Be sensitive to neighbors and their pets, particularly if military veterans live nearby.

For more firework safety tips, visit the Office of State Fire Commissioner here.

Summertime Fire Prevention & Backyard Safety

Summer is here, and as we journey outdoors to enjoy the season, we need to take a moment to think about how we can all be more fire safe at home and during recreation activities.

Summer is the season of cookouts; grills should be checked for rust, insects, spiders, grease, and other debris before use.
Worn gas hoses should be replaced.
Never grill indoors, in a garage, breezeway, or carport. Grills should only be used 10 feet away from your house or any building.
Likewise, firepits should be properly maintained and operated away from dead leaves and other flammable debris.

For more seasonal fire safety tips, visit the Office of State Fire Commissioner here.

Free COVID-19 At-Home Tests

You can now order additional FREE COVID tests. Each household is eligible for an additional eight COVID-19 rapid antigen at-home tests. Simply visit COVIDTests.gov to get your free tests today.

This is the third round being offered, bringing the total number of free tests available to each household to 16.

As the highly transmissible subvariants of Omicron drive a rise in cases in parts of the country, free and accessible tests will help slow the spread of the virus.

JUNE TIP SHEET: LIGHTNING SAFETY - SAFE, SAFEST, NOT SAFE

JUNE SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLKIT

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