Fire Safety Don’t smoke in bed, around an oxygen tank, or near anything flammable. Make sure smoke detectors are working and change the batteries every six months. When cooking, avoid wearing long sleeves. Always use oven mitts or hot pads. Turn pot handles inward. Keep a fire extinguisher close by and understand how to use it in case of emergency. Unplug electrical appliances when they are not in use and check electrical cords for cracks in wiring. Have an annual furnace inspection, and have a CO2 detector. Never mix cleaning agents. Keep space heaters at a safe distance from anything that can overheat. Don’t place anything on top of an electrical blanket. Make sure chimney is clean and flew is open. If you catch on fire, don’t forget Stop ... Drop ... and Roll. Domestic Violence No one deserves to be abused. There are many types of abuse – including physical abuse, emotional abuse and mental abuse. Although children and elderly people are at the highest risk for abuse, anyone (regardless of age or gender) can be a victim. Victims may be manipulated into blaming themselves, or into believing their situation is out of their control. Victims are not alone, and are never to blame. Help is available. Locally, SafeHouse of Seminole assists hundreds of domestic violence victims every year. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact SafeHouse’s Crisis Hotline at 1-407-330-3933. Animal Bites The most common types of animal bites are dog and snake bites. Early and proper treatment are key to preventing problems from a bite. Infection is the biggest concern. Bacteria from the animal’s mouth can enter the wound and begin to grow. The seriousness of a bite depends on the location, type of animal, whether a foreign object is stuck in the wound, and bone/tissue involvement. Although rabies isn’t common, its presence can be fatal to the victim. If bitten by an animal, make sure to clean your wound thoroughly and have it examined by a doctor. Many bites are from pets or familiar animals. All snake bites need to be seen and treated immediately. Whether the snake is poisonous or not, the bite could be serious. Seek immediate emergency treatment to be safe. Some animal bites can be prevented using the following tips: Don’t pet or touch an unfamiliar animal without the owner’s permission. Stay away from and don’t feed wildlife. Look around before placing your hand, or stepping somewhere an animal may be hiding. Be aware of your surroundings.