Be Summer Safe by Following Safety Tips

SACRAMENTO, July 1 -- Core News Facts
  --  Summer vacation means crowded highways and waterways
  --  Vehicle maintenance and being prepared before you hit the road for
      your summer vacation are keys to a safe return home
  --  Water safety begins at home around the pool and on your boat

  Helpful Links
  --  State Farm Auto Learning Center
  --  Swimming Pool Safety
  --  Boat Safety
  --  statefarm.com

  Full Story

  Summer Auto Safety

With the start of summer travel season the number of Americans hitting the road will increase and whether you are driving your local streets and highways or getting away for a vacation, maintaining your vehicle and being prepared are keys to your safe return home.

  Some simple steps can help you avoid headaches on the road:
  --  Get your car serviced before you travel including a check of the
      engine, and other systems such as the air conditioning, the tires,
      brakes, lights and windshield wipers.
  --  Of course, it's also a good idea to have an emergency kit in your
      trunk - jumper cables, tools, water, emergency flares, and a
      flashlight and gloves - just in case.
  --  Finally, remember that weather can be unpredictable on your trip, plan
      ahead and find out the weather conditions before venturing out on your
      road trip.

  Summer Water Safety

With rising summer temperatures it is natural for people to head to the water to seek relief. Whether you prefer the pool, the ocean or the river, safety is always a concern, not just for children but also for adults. The following safety tips can help keep your family safe and having fun.

  Swimming Pools:
  --  Pool equipment should be checked frequently.   Make sure there is
      secure fencing around any pool to keep children and unauthorized
      individuals from the pool area. All gates should be self-closing and
      lockable.
  --  Secure all grates and drains so they cannot be removed without the use
      of tools. Instruct all swimmers on the dangers of entrapment and
      drowning that can occur when fingers, toes or the body come too close
      to these items. Anyone with long hair should also be cautioned not to
      get his or her hair near a pool outlet because the suction can be
      strong enough to hold even an adult under water.
  --  Completely remove pool covers when anyone is in the pool. Extreme care
      should be taken to prevent children from climbing on top of the cover
      or getting caught underneath. Check the cover often and remove water
      that accumulates on top; make sure the cover is properly anchored and
      tied down.
  --  Make sure there is rescue equipment around the pool.   Follow
      manufacturer directions for proper storage of all pool chemicals in a
      clean, well-ventilated area that can be secured.

  Boating Safety:

According to the United States Coast Guard, Seven out of 10 fatalities in boating accidents result from drowning. Nine out of 10 reported drowning victims were not wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs). Make the numbers work in your favor - wear your life jacket.

  --  Make sure you have enough life jackets and throw-able flotation
      devices on your boat. Select a life jacket that is Coast Guard
      approved. Water toys are not suitable substitutes.
  --  Choose life jackets that properly fit you and your passengers.
  --  Dry life jackets completely in a cool, ventilated area before storing
      them.  Avoid contact with oil, grease, or other substances that could
      deteriorate the life jacket.
  --  Check life jackets at least twice a year for mildew, broken straps or
      hardening. Dispose of unserviceable life jackets and replace them with
      new ones.

With more boaters on the water than ever before, you must be prepared for any situation and take special precautions with personal watercraft. The number of personal watercraft (PWC) is more than 10 times greater today than in the late 1980s. With the number of people using personal watercrafts on the rise, injuries and deaths associated with their use has also increased.

  --  Leave alcohol at home. Alcohol use is a major contributing factor in
      recreational boating fatalities. Boating under the influence is also
      illegal in all states and provinces.
  --  Always operate at a safe speed and be ready to react quickly in
      emergencies.
  --  On personal watercraft, all riders must wear properly fitted, Coast
      Guard-approved life jackets and make sure the engine "kill switch" is
      securely attached to the operator via a lanyard so the motor will shut
      off if the operator falls off.
  --  Always stay alert. Look in all directions before turning. Be aware of
      other boats, skiers, divers and swimmers.

  About State FarmŽ:

State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S., is the leading insurer of watercraft and is also a leading insurer in Canada. State Farm's 17,700 agents and more than 67,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - almost 79 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 34 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.comŽ or in Canada statefarm.caŽ.