Collinsville, Oklahoma
June 30, 2011
Miscellaneous News
Holiday Weekend Safety Tips /
Summer Reading Challenge

This web site is brought to you by the Newspaper Museum In Collinsville and the other advertisers appearing on these pages. If you would like to provide news content or advertisements ... call Ted Wright (918) 371-1901 or
send email to wrightted@aol.com.
1110 W. Main, Collinsville, OK 74021

Frequently Asked Questions
Home
(email questions/comments to wrightted@aol.com).
Ted Wright -- last update 6/30/2011 (MiscJun30.html) www.cvilleok.com

Copyright 2011 -- Collinsville, Oklahoma
DPS: Be Safe This July 4th Weekend

Department of Public Safety officials are urging Oklahomans to make SAFETY their primary concern over the 4th of July weekend.

With July 4th on a Monday this year, the number of people traveling may increase. Some people will take Friday off in order to extend the holiday and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Patrol's Marine Enforcement Division will be taking steps to make this holiday a safe one. "Considering Oklahoma experienced ten traffic-related fatalities during last year's Fourth of July holiday period, we're planning to ramp-up our efforts this year to insure we don't have a repeat," said Colonel Kerry Pettingill, Chief of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

The Highway Patrol will participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), an international traffic enforcement effort. These operations focus our attention on drinking drivers, speeding, seat belt and child passenger restraint usage. "For those who chocse to travel, we encourage them not to rush, but take their time and plan ahead in order to arrive safely to their destination," said Chief Pettingill.

Last year there were 577 crashes during the four-day holiday weekend; 67 of which were alcohol related, resulting in 10 fatalities; including one motorcyclist, and two ATV riders. Of the 10 fatalities during last year's July 4th holiday, 4 of the crashes were alcohol related. The contributing factors in the collisions were alcohol, speed and left-of-center. Also, only 50% of the fatality victims were using safety belts at the time of the collision, and neither of the ATV operators were wearing helmets.

"We're planning several special enforcement campaigns for the weekend, and strongly encourage those who choose to drink, NOT to drive; but to look for the responsible alternatives, like calling a taxi, using a designated driver, or just staying home," Said Pettingill.

Lake conditions are prime for a busy 4th of July holiday. With the long weekend and good weather conditions projected, the Patrol's Marine Enforcement Unit is anticipating a busy weekend.

Boaters are reminded to "know before you go". if your boat is mechanically sound and properly equipped with the required equipment: Personal Floatation Devices (life jackets for each person on board); lights; sounding device (whistle or horn); fire extinguisher (if your boat utilizes flammable liquid); current registration (with registration paperwork on board).

"The most important thing boaters can take with them is common sense. The majority of boating mishaps involve two-vessel collisions. Nationally, more people die in alcohol-related boating collisions during the 4th of July weekend than any other weekend of the year," said Chief Pettingill. "Last year in Oklahoma over the 4th of July there were six boating incidents resulting in four injuries, and zero fatalites."

Citizens are encouraged to review the laws relating to boating safety on state waterways:
* No one under 12 years of age may solely operate a personal watercraft (JetSki, Wetbike, SeaDoo, etc.)
* One appropriately sized coast guard approved life jacket for every person in the boat.
* New legislation reduces BAC level to .08 for operating a vessel under the influence (Same as drivers).

Chief Pettingill urges boaters to use caution and observe navigation rules in congested areas on the water. "The Patrol will use saturation patrols on area lakes this weekend, just as we will on the roadways; so we encourage boaters to operate their vessels responsibly," Pettingill said.

LT George W. Brown #172 (OHP Public Affairs)
DPS press release; 4th of July
From: Chris West (6/29/2011)
Fourth of July Fun Depends on Fireworks Safety Fundamentals

By John "Okie" Doak, Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner (6/28/2011)

Most Americans look forward to the Fourth of July for more than just the day off it provides. Usually, Independence Day is also a time for family and neighborhood togetherness, good food, and fun in the outdoors. Don’t spoil the good times with mishandled fireworks.

The National Fire Protection Agency notes there are more blazes reported on Independence Day in the United States than on any other date during the typical year. In 2009, according to NFPA, fireworks caused an estimated 18,000 reported fires, including 1,300 structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outdoor fires or blazes of another nature. While nobody was killed by those fires in 2009, 30 civilians were injured and $38 million in direct property damage occurred, according to NFPA.

Of course, the danger of fireworks reaches further than flames. The NFPA reports that in 2009 U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated 8,800 people for fireworks-related injuries; 53 percent of those wounds were to extremities, but 42 percent were head wounds. Fireworks injuries are twice as common among children ages 10 to 14 than among the general population.

Due to drought conditions this year in Oklahoma, it is very possible that fireworks are prohibited in your area along with other forms of outdoor burning. At this writing, 27 of 77 Oklahoma counties are under a burn ban, including much of the south-central parts of the state and nearly all of the west and Panhandle. Though the idea of a Fourth of July celebration without a few sparklers and firecrackers might be disappointing, there is simply no safe way to enjoy fireworks this year in these regions of Oklahoma, and fireworks should not be a part of your Independence Day celebration.

Elsewhere, though the wildfire risk might be somewhat less (yet still ever-present), planning a family fireworks display requires forethought and a strict adherence to safety guidelines.

Planning begins by checking your insurance policy. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners cautions that if you use fireworks which are illegal in your jurisdiction and your home is damaged or someone is hurt as a result, you risk losing your insurance coverage entirely. Even if fireworks are legal and presently permitted in your community, it is still wise to check your policy or call your agent to be sure that your home, family and guests are covered in case of a fireworks accident, or whether your policy calls for any specific safety precautions before using fireworks on your property.

Advance planning also includes choosing the safest possible area for your fireworks display. Pick a place that is open and away from spectators, homes, buildings and dry vegetation. Wet down the area with a garden hose before firing, and during the display, as each device burns out, soak it with the hose or in a bucket of water. After the display, place all used items in a covered, fireproof container and leave it outside and away from homes or other buildings to cool overnight prior to final disposal.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety has these additional tips for the use of sparklers, which are often perceived as child’s play, but do have their dangers:

Children under age 12 should not use even sparklers without very close adult supervision.

Always remain standing while using sparklers, stand at least six feet away from other people, and never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.

Never hold or light more than one sparkler at a time.

Sparklers and bare feet can be a painful combination.

The sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flames have gone out; have a buck of water handy and drop every spent sparkler in it immediately.

Never give a lighted sparkler to another person; give them the unlit sparkler and then light it.

Show children how to hold sparklers at arm’s length and away from their bodies before lighting one for them.

Teach children never to wave sparklers, throw sparklers, or use sparklers while running.

For an up-to-date list of burning bans statewide, visit forestry.ok.gov/burn-ban-information. If you have any questions or complaints about insurance, visit the Oklahoma Insurance Department online at oid.ok.gov or call our Consumer Assistance Hotline at (800) 522-0071.

Reading Challenge To Other Cities
Collinsville Mayor Stan Sallee is challenging Tulsa County community mayors to a competition to see which community will have the most kids participate and complete the Summer Reading Program. Collinsville won the 2010 Mayor’s Challenge and is now accepting challengers to their title.

For more information or to respond to the challenge, contact John Fancher