Public Safety Newsletter
St. Olaf College
November 1, 2011
Volume 3, Issue 4
Tips for Child Safety
This Month:
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Tips for Child Safety
Hunting Accidents
Heimlich Maneuver Basics
Full Moon Follies: Fact or
Fiction?
Medical Amnesty
Do you have a question or concern you would like to see
addressed in a future
newsletter?
E-Mail us at:
[email protected]
24-Hour Public Safety Dispatch:
On-Campus: 3666
Off-Campus: (507)-786-3666
Police, Fire & Ambulance
(Emergency)
9-911
Northfield Police 9-645-4477
(Non-Emergency)
Other Important Numbers:
Counseling Center
3062
Dean of Students
3023
Health Services
3063
Parking Office
2972
Safe Ride
3666
Sexual Assault Resource Network (SARN) 3777
Hope Center
1-800-607-2330
“Don’t talk to strangers,” is a phrase children
hear often from parents and educators. Although this has become a common safety advice, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) states that it is not
necessarily beneficial to children. Children
may be confused as to who exactly is considered a “stranger” and often the perpetrator is a
person the child knows.
The NCMEC, instead, advises parents to build
their child’s confidence as well as teach children what to do in dangerous situations. First,
since children are more likely to report problems and concerns to parents who have discussed safety with them, parents should frequently address child safety issues. When approaching the topic of safety, parents/guardians
should speak to their children in a calm and
reassuring tone. A calm tone will instill confidence in children, whereas fear will not.
An important message for children to hear is
that they should never feel forced, tricked, or
pressured into doing something they do not feel
comfortable doing. Parents/guardians can help
practice safety by creating “what if” scenarios.
For example, a trip to the store can provide a
good learning opportunity for children; they
should practice checking in with a parent before
going anywhere and locate trusted adults in the
area if they may need assistance. However,
parents should supervise children at all times,
especially if children are too young to make
decisions regarding their own safety. Parents
should also make sure they know the adults who
are in contact with their children. Children are
less likely to seek assistance from other, potentially dangerous, adults if their own parents are
involved in their lives.
The NMEC points out the fact that “one size”
does not fit all. Age, education, and development affect a child’s ability to understand and
practice safety skills. Considering their child’s
ability level, parents should attempt to incorporate safety skills as a part of their child’s lives.
In the case of a missing child, an adult should
call: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or
talk to a call center specialist via the online Live
Hotline (www.missingkids.com).
Bow or Gun, Let’s Get Some Huntin’ Done!
An accident is the fastest way to end a hunting expedition. Common hunting accidents include: drowning, hypothermia, getting lost, falls from tree stands, and
sprained ankles.
Although hunting is thought to be a relatively safe sport in Minnesota, there were
five injuries in the first hunting weekend in 2010.
Falling from a tree stand was the cause of one accident. According to the Department of Natural Resources DNR, this is the most common hunting accident. To
avoid falling, hunters should invest in a TMA (Treestand Manufacturer’s Associated) approved stand (do not use a homemade stand). Hunters should also be sure
to use a harness and wear clothing that fits (ill-fitted clothing can get stuck on
trees).
Accidental shooting caused two of the accidents. One of these accidents involved
a person shooting himself in the wrist after tripping. Shooting accidents can be
avoided if hunter thought of their guns as loaded at all times. As well as keeping
the safety on, a hunter should always be aware of the location of the muzzle.
To make sure their guns are working properly, hunters should take out their guns
more than once a year before going hunting and should also have proper ammunition. On a last note, the DNR encourages hunters to wear blaze orange instead
of camouflage.
Basics of the Heimlich Manuever
Amidst the plethora of delicious food in the company of loved ones, many individuals forget that Thanksgiving, while a
joyous holiday, also comes with several safety hazards, such as choking.
Choking occurs when a foreign object, stuck in the throat or windpipe, restricts airflow. The most common cause of
choking is talking or laughing while eating.
The universal sign of choking is hands clutched to the throat. Other signs of choking include: inability to talk, difficulty
breathing or noisy breathing, inability to cough forcefully, skin/lips/nails turning blue or dusky, or a loss of consciousness.
Since choking cuts off air to the brain, it is important that first aid be administered promptly.
If a person appears to be choking, but is still able to cough, it is important to encourage the person to continue to cough
forcefully in order to dislodge the object. Continue to encourage the person to cough until the object comes out or they are
no longer able to do so. When air is no longer able to pass by the blockage, the next step is the Heimlich maneuver.
In the case that there is only one rescuer, back blows and/or abdominal thrusts should be performed before dialing 9-11. In the case that there is another rescuer, one person should perform first aid while the other rescuer dials 9-1-1.
To perform the Heimlich maneuver on someone else:
>>Stand behind the person. Wrap your arms around the waist. Tip the person forward slightly.
>>Make a fist with one hand. Position it slightly above the person's navel.
>>Grasp the fist with the other hand. Press hard into the abdomen with a quick, upward thrust — as if trying to lift the
person up.
>>Perform a total of 5 abdominal thrusts, if needed. If the blockage still isn't dislodged, repeat the five-and-five cycle.
To perform the Heimlich on yourself:
>>Place a fist slightly above your navel.
>>Grasp your fist with the other hand and bend over a hard surface — a countertop or chair will do.
>>Shove your fist inward and upward.
If alone, you should call 9-1-1 before performing the Heimlich on yourself.
Full Moon Follies: Fact or Fiction?
Mission Statement
Does a full moon really bring out the crazy in people? According to some police and
emergency service workers, full moon nights are busier, crazier, and may actually be
more dangerous than other nights.
BBC news reported that some British police departments are actually adding extra officers on full nights. According to a Sussex police spokeswoman, “Research carried out by
us has shown a correlation between violent incidents and full moons.” Another study,
conducted in 1998, examined the correlation between aggression and full moon nights.
By studying 1,200 inmates at Armley jail, researchers perceived a rise in violent incidents on the days on either side of a full moon. Club bouncers are also aware of phenomenon. One Brighton bouncer reports “When there is a full moon out we look at the sky
and say: 'Oh no, all the idiots will be out tonight.'”
It is likely that the increase in crime rate during full moon nights is due to an increase in
activity. A beautiful full moon appeals not only draws families and lovers, but also criminals wanting to take advantage of moon’s light to carry out their deeds. With an increase
in activity, it is reasonable that full moon nights would experience more misconduct in
comparison to other nights. No werewolves needed.
Department of Public Safety
St. Olaf College
The mission of the Public Safety
Department is:
"To support and advance the educational objectives of St. Olaf College
by fostering and maintaining a safe,
secure and stable environment for
living, learning, and working."
Important Dates for November:
November is Child Safety and Protection Month
November 6
November 8
November 11
November 19
Daylight Savings Time Ends
Election Day
Veterans Day
A Prarie Home Companion, Skoglund
November 23-27 THANKSGIVING BREAK
November 24 Thanksgiving Day
Please visit our web sites at:
http://www.stolaf.edu/stulife/safety
http://www.stolaf.edu/stulife/parking
If a student becomes incapacitated due to alcohol overuse, or if they are in need of medical attention, others
are strongly encouraged to contact EMS (911), public
safety, or the residence life staff immediately in order to
protect the health and well-being of the affected student.
The individual needing medical attention will not receive disciplinary sanction in these circumstances, but
rather will be referred for assistance to address issues of
chemical use/abuse. Students are encouraged to make
the responsible choice to notify college or emergency
personnel quickly.