Azure Hills Risk Management Consulting

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The National Safety Council reports Motor Vehicle fatalities increased 6% from 2015 with 40,000 people killed in 2017. Cellphones, GPS and other dashboard systems all pose a risk to your safety. Just a second of distraction can change a life forever. #JustDrive

As we come to the week of Thanksgiving it provides a time for us to reflect on the many blessings we have received throughout the year. Good health, family, friends and the freedom we so often can take for granted. It also is a time for us to remember those less fortunate than ourselves and those who suffered tragic loss through the storms and wildfires of this past year. Thanksgiving is also a time to think SAFETY as you prepare for this special family time in the days ahead by following these safety tips from the US Fire Administration: https://content.govdelivery.com//USDHSFA/bulletins/1c591ee Be Safe, Travel Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

FIRE EXTINGUISHER SAFETY RECALL The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a safety recall on 38 million Kidde Fire Extinguishers used in many household and kitchen applications. Please read the safety recall notice for more information on how to obtain a free replacement.

Our hearts grieve the innocent loss of life as 26 worshippers ages 18 months to 77 years were gunned down yesterday at the First Baptist Church in rural Sutherland Springs, TX. A death toll of 48 victims have loss their lives in the past five years while worshiping in the place where they find safety and belonging. Tragically, the evil in this world finds no boundaries in their quest to cause harm and tragedy. All church leaders must be trained and prepared to confront un...thinkable situations and act responsibly when evil strikes. Many churches have informal security or emergency plans. Some congregations use off-duty police officers, retired military or hire security personnel to watch for signs of danger as they observe those who enter for services. Situational Awareness is the critical first step in a congregations emergency planning. Awareness begins at the front door. Even talking about an Active Shooter scenario is a difficult conversation that church leaders what to avoid or believe it will ever happen at their church. Most active shooter situations last less than five minutes and are over before law enforcement arrives on scene. Church leaders cannot be complacent, they must face the issue and be ready to respond. Five key action steps include: 1. Discuss "what would we do" with your church board 2. Establish an Emergency Response Plan for your church 3. Review your Emergency Plan with local law enforcement 4. Conduct Practice Drills with church leaders 5. Be Aware of what is taking place during during all church activities and report all threats or suspicious behavior to law enforcement officials To learn more helpful resources visit: https://www.ready.gov/active-shooter Remember, situational awareness begins at the front door. Knowing how to respond, knowing alternative ways to exit, taking immediate and appropriate actions can save lives.

Here is a life-saving principle that everyone who drives should remember "turn around... don't drown" https://www.facebook.com/holly.raus/posts/10211549849809235

Become part of the solution to help prevent child abuse in your community. Awareness can make a difference in the life of a child. https://www.facebook.com/arthur.bli/posts/10212275886271175

Halloween will soon be here and are you ready to have a safe holiday? Halloween presents many risks for children, parents, homes, drivers and businesses. Let's review several key Halloween Safety issues: 1. Dress children in costumes which allow good visibility so the child can see where they are going in the dark. Consider including high-visibility reflective strips on the costume so they can be seen easily by drivers. Finally, make sure the costume does not create a tri...pping hazard as often the child will need to climb stairs. 2. Parents should supervise young children as they trick-or-treat from door to door. Be sure to remind children to walk between houses, be respectful of the neighbors property. Having the child carry a flashlight can help to illuminate their path and aid in being seen when crossing a street. Always have the child use caution, by stopping and looking both ways before they cross any street. Never run across a street or go between parked cars. 3. Remember safety practices at your home as well. Have your doorway well lighted especially if there are stairs leading to your house or apartment to minimize the risk of slip and fall accidents. Make sure Halloween displays with electrical connections are properly installed and grounded with GFCI outlet circuit. Avoid using candles to illuminate decorations. LED battery candle lights work well for this purpose. 4. Use extra care when driving on Halloween evening especially in neighborhood areas. Children can quickly dart out into the street and can be very difficult to see at night. Be cautious and drive defensively, so everyone can enjoy a Safe Halloween.

Fire Prevention is an important responsibility in all commercial buildings, including churches, schools and non-profit organizations. In 2015, OSHA cited the US Postal Service facility in St. Louis with four citations and proposed $87,000 in fines. Why? During the attempt to extinguish a small fire, employees went through five fire extinguishers before they could find one in operable working condition! Consider this photo taken in a maintenance shop during a workplace safet...y inspection this summer. Would this fire extinguisher still work if needed in a fire emergency? OSHA requires all that all fire extinguishers should be visually inspected on a monthly basis. In addition all fire extinguishers should be serviced on an annual basis by a trained service technician and tagged. Take time today to conduct a walk through of your facility and check if all fire extinguishers are all in their designated places and serviced within the past twelve months. Train staff members on the proper use of the PASS method: P - Pull the safety Pin A - Aim at the base of the Fire S - Squeeze the level to release the extinguishing agent S - Sweep back and forth and continue until the Fire is out Remember - before attempting to fight the fire, pull the Alarm to notify others to begin evacuating the facility and call 911 to notify the local fire department. To learn about risk management visit: www.azurehillsriskmanagement.info

As we come to the end of Fire Prevention Week here are four areas of home fire safety for you to review to help keep your family safe. Azure Hills Risk Management hopes you have found the information provided this week helpful reminders that Fire Safety begins with You!

Take Time This Week -- Make Fire Safety a Priority, It could save a Life!

Fire Prevention Week is next week - October 9-15. Now is the time of year to stop and take time to review your fire prevention practices and fire safety equipment at home and the office. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 40% of fire deaths occurs in homes with no smoke alarms. Make the commitment to take these five actions this coming week: 1. Test every smoke alarm in your home and office to be sure it is properly functioning. 2. Replace the batteri...es in smoke alarms (where required) and replace any smoke alarm that is over ten years in service. 3. Check the operation of exit signs and emergency lighting in all offices, churches, schools and other public buildings to be sure they are operating properly. Replace burned out light bulbs, batteries or have non-working units repaired by a licensed service technician. 4. Check the fire extinguishers to be sure they are properly charged and serviced during the last twelve months. 5. Review your fire evacuation routes in your home and all buildings to be sure exit ways are unblocked and free from obstructions. Taking these five actions -- can help to save a life in the event of a fire emergency. To learn more about Fire Prevention Week visit: http://www.nfpa.org/public-e/campaigns/fire-prevention-week

Presented a workshop on OSHA compliance this week at the Nonprofit Risk Summit in Chicago. Do you know the answers to these questions for your nonprofit or faith-based organization? Is your organization required to maintain OSHA 300 logs? Does your organization have an up-to-date HAZCOM plan for each facility?... Is your organization required to have an Injury & Illness Prevention Plan? Azure Hills Risk Management can help you understand OSHA compliance issues. Visit our website: www.azurehillsriskmanagement.info to learn more about the services we offer faith-based and nonprofit organizations.