LAW/FIRE
FIRE & LAW SAFETY TIPS
GARAGE SAFETY
FIREWORK SAFETY
» Working on a project involving oil, gasoline, paints, propane, or other flammable materials? Make sure there is proper ventilation.
vehicle's trunk at the boat launch or hanging up on the wall in the garage. Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. It's the law: Minnesota State Statute 86B.501 » State law requires children under ten years old to wear a properly fitted life jacket while a boat is underway. Underway means not securely fastened to a permanent mooring or tied to a dock. » A readily accessible and wearable life jacket is required for each person on board a boat; this includes canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, paddle boats, and waterfowl boats. » Alcohol and water don't mix. Any water activity while impaired is dangerous. Boating under the influence (alcohol or drugs) is the same as drunk driving. The Carver County Sheriff's Office conducts additional patrols on the waterways in Carver County during the summer to identify and arrest impaired boaters. Thirty percent of fatal boat accidents in Minnesota are alcohol-related accidents (per the DNR website). » Boating activity is increasing across the state, especially recreational watercraft like wake boats and personal watercraft (jet skis), and these types have special regulations or laws restricting their operation. Take the time to read the boating regulations book before the start of the boating season (laws can change every year). » Ensure that youth complete watercraft safety training before operating watercraft without adult supervision. » Perform annual maintenance on the boat every spring before the first boating adventure of the year; mice can chew fuel lines during the winter and could spell disaster on the water. » Do not allow passengers to ride on the bow, transom, or gunwales of a boat while it is underway. Passengers must stay within the passenger compartment of a watercraft while it is under power and moving. For further information about Boat and Water Safety, visit the Minnesota DNR website at dnr.state.mn. » Only use Minnesota-legal fireworks like sparklers, fountains, ground spinners, and snappers. » Point fireworks away from people and animals. » Use fireworks in an open area away from trees and houses. » Extinguish and dispose of spent fireworks in a bucket of water. Do not try to re-light a dud. » Always use caution around fireworks and make sure children are supervised. Did you know? » More than 30 percent of fireworks injuries are from sparklers. » There is an average of 75 hospital visits each year in Minnesota due to fireworks injuries. » Nearly 45 percent of fireworks injuries each year happen to children. » Fireworks that explode or shoot into the air are illegal in Minnesota.
» Store flammable liquids in labeled containers and only in small amounts. Keep the containers away from heaters, appliances, pilot lights, and other sources of heat or flame. » Charging a tool? Only plug one charging tool into an outlet at a time. Unplug the tool and charger when not in use. Did you know? » You should not use an extension cord when charging an appliance or tool. Plug the charger directly into an outlet. » Oil and stain-soaked rags can spontaneously combust if improperly stored. Hang rags outside until they are fully dried. Do not throw soaked rags into a pile until they are completely dry.
WATER SAFETY Summer is rapidly approaching, and what would summer in Minnesota be without being on the lake?
We are the land of 10,000 lakes, after all. Chanhassen has many lakes and parks to enjoy and partake in this Minnesota pastime. Unfortunately, every year, there are accidents and deaths on Minnesota waterways. The MN DNR reports that in 2022, there were 15 boating fatalities and 30 non-boating drownings, and in 2023, there were nine boating fatalities, and 53 non-boating drownings. The Carver County Sheriff's Office would like to remind people to be safe on the lakes this summer. Here are some safety tips and reminders to keep you, your family, and friends safe this summer while enjoying the lakes.
Safety Tips » Know your limitations, physical fitness, medical conditions, and swimming ability. » Do not swim alone; preferably, swim in an area with lifeguards. » Know the water conditions, weather conditions, water temperature, water depths, water clarity, vegetation, and structures under the water. » Children in the water should be watched closely. » Always check the required safety equipment thoroughly before going out on the water. Life jackets are useless in the
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CITY OF CHANHASSEN | SUMMER 2024
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