2007 News

May 22, 2007

Bucks County Commissioners Remind Residents to Exercise Picnic and Pool Safety During Memorial Day Weekend

According to national health statistics, one in every 10 Americans suffers an illness caused by food each year. In many cases, these illnesses are preventable through common sense measures. In advance of this Memorial Day weekend – the unofficial start of picnic and pool season – the Board of Bucks County Commissioners, in conjunction with the county Department of Health, offers a few friendly reminders to maximize holiday safety and fun.

“While the onset of warmer weather brings a joyous time to celebrate with family and friends, it also has very specific seasonal dangers,” noted Charles H. Martin, chairman of the commissioners’ board. “We urge everyone to be aware of these potential pitfalls, and educate those around them how to be safe at the picnic table and around the ocean, lake or swimming pool.”

A simple rule for picnic safety is the cautionary food adage: “IF IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT!” Other tips include:

  • Washing hands and work areas before preparing and serving food;
  • Packing foods right from the refrigerator into coolers, which should always be carried inside an air-conditioned car, if possible;
  • Utilizing the two-hour rule. Do not leave perishable food un-refrigerated for more than two hours.

For a sweeping look at helpful picnic and food safety guidelines, please access the detailed web link: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Safe_Food_Handling_Fact_Sheets/index.asp.

With regard to pool safety, children are one of the most vulnerable demographics. All pools should have a fence at least four-feet high with a self-closing latch at a height children cannot reach. Some other practical tips include:

  • Never leaving children alone in or near the pool, even for the briefest instant;
  • Keeping rescue equipment and portable phone near the pool;
  • Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm’s length to provide “touch supervision.”

Commissioner Jim Cawley will be ushering in the unofficial start of summer at one of the county’s two pools, Oxford Valley pool in Fairless Hills. With the splash of a cannonball, the Parks and Recreation Department will be in full swing for the summer season.

For more information about aquatic safety, please visit the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania-sponsored web link: http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/CWP/view.asp?A=180&Q=233439. And visit Bucks County Parks and Recreation for information on all county park facilities.

Other events throughout the county will include Memorial Day parades, such as the Croydon Memorial Day Parade on Monday at 12:30 p.m. Commissioner Sandy Miller will be marching with sponsors Joseph Schumacher VFW Post 1597 and the Croydon Civic Association, and will present a proclamation to Grand Marshal Ruth Snyder at the event.