One of the most common calls we receive is for traumatic injuries.

Traumatic injury is damage to the body caused by external force. This may be caused by accidents, falls, hits, weapons, and other causes.

One of the most preventable of these, traumatic head injuries are a result of a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury.

Preventing sports-related head injuries: Buy and use helmets or protective head gear approved for specific sports. In addition to other safety apparel or gear, helmets or head gear should be worn at all times for: Softball, Cycling, Football, Hockey, Horseback riding, Skateboards/Scooters, Skiing and Wrestling.

General prevention tips

• Supervise younger children at all times, and don’t let them use sporting equipment or play sports unsuitable for their age.
• Follow rules and warning signs at water parks and swimming pools.
• Don’t dive in water less than 12 feet deep or in above-ground pools. Check the depth and check for debris in the water before diving.
• Wear appropriate clothing for the sport.
• Don’t wear clothing that can interfere with your vision.
• Don’t participate in sports when you’re ill or tired.
• Obey all traffic signals and be aware of drivers when cycling or skateboarding.
• Avoid uneven or unpaved surfaces when cycling, skateboarding, or in-line skating.
• Replace sporting equipment or protective gear that is damaged.

Preventing other head injuries

• Wear a seatbelt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle.
• Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or ride as a passenger with anybody else who is under the influence.
• Keep firearms unloaded in a locked cabinet or safe, and store ammunition in a separate, secure location.
• Remove hazards in the home that may contribute to falls. Secure rugs and loose electrical cords, put away toys, use safety gates, and install window guards. Install grab bars and handrails if you are frail or elderly.

Until next month, stay safe!

We often get asked “when should I call 9-1-1”, here’s some tips:

When should you call 9-1-1?

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you experience:

1. Severe difficulty breathing, especially that does not improve with rest.
2. Chest pain
3. A fast heartbeat at rest especially if it’s associated with shortness of breath or feeling faint
4. You witness someone faint/pass out or someone is unresponsive
5. Difficulty speaking, numbness, or weakness of any part of the body
6. Sudden dizziness, weakness or mental changes (confusion, very odd behavior, difficulty walking)
7. Sudden blindness or vision changes
8. Heavy bleeding
9. Broken bones visible through an open wound, or a broken leg
10. Drowning
11. Choking
12. Severe burns
13. Allergic reaction, especially if there is any difficulty breathing
14. Poisoning or drug overdose
15. New severe headache
16. Sudden intense severe pain
17. Someone is threatening to hurt or kill themselves or someone else
18. Or, see an uncontrolled fire

When in doubt, call 9-1-1!

If you're not sure whether extra help is needed, call 9-1-1 and the trained dispatcher will help advise you. It is better to be safe and let the 9-1-1 call taker determine if you need emergency assistance.

What to do if you call 9-1-1 by mistake:

If you call by mistake, do not hang up, just stay on the line and tell the dispatcher that everything is OK. If you hang up, they may send help to your location to investigate if there is a problem.

Finally, please do not phone the fire hall or send a social media message to alert to an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Until next month, stay safe!

The Fire Ban for Redwood Meadows has been lifted effective immediately.

Please remember that fire pits of any size require a permit from the town site. Permit application forms can be downloaded here.

Effective 11 July 2024 at 09:00, there is a Fire Ban in place for the townsite of Redwood Meadows.

No open fires, the use of firepits, or solid fuel barbecues (charcoal briquettes) are allowed.

Liquid fuel barbecues (propane and natural gas) are allowed.

Please check this page for a list of prohibited activities and exceptions to the fire ban.

By-Law #98-2:

- Violations: Illegal burning fine $100 / per incident

- Violations: Attendance by fire department for illegal burning  Contract Rates / per incident

This fire ban shall remain in effect until such time as The Townsite deems appropriate as authorized by the Redwood Meadows Fire Department.

Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

Hug A Tree and Survive!

Summer is here! These four key rules work to ensure kids have the knowledge and training needed to safely enjoy the outdoors and their communities this summer:

• Tell an adult where you're going: Always tell a trusted adult where you're going, who you're going with and when you'll be back. You can do this in person, over the phone, by text message or leaving a note in a place they will find it.
• If you're lost, "hug-a-tree" and stay put: A tree can protect you from the elements when you're outdoors, and most importantly keeps you in one place. Depending on where you are, there may not always be a tree. Perhaps your "tree" can be a large rock or a bench. No matter what your landmark is, it's important to stay put in order to stay safe. _Hey adults, same goes for you. If you call 9-1-1 from the trails - stay put so we can find you quickly!
• Keep warm and dry: Temperatures change throughout the day, and can drop at night. Even if you're warm during the day, pack a jacket in case you must spend longer-than-planned on the trails. If you get cold, pull up your hood or put on your hat, tuck your shirt in, tuck pant legs into your sock and zip up your jacket. You can also keep warm by building a nest to keep you off the ground or by building an emergency shelter.
• Help searchers find you by answering their calls: Whether searchers are parents or first responders, they just want to get you home safely. Answering back to their calls by making noise and signally, so you can be heard and seen. Make sure to leave lots of footprints and clues, so searchers can follow your tracks to you.

Until next month, stay safe!