Back to School Safety

close up of a school bus stop sign on the side of a bus

Back to School Safety Some 25 million students nationwide begin and end their day with a trip on a school bus. Designed for safety, with flashing lights, giant mirrors, stop-sign arms and that bright yellow color, students are far more likely to get to school safely when taking a school bus than traveling by car, […]

Hurricane Preparedness….Are You Ready?

tropical hurricane approaching the USA.Elements of this image are furnished by NASA.

Hurricane Preparedness….Are You Ready? NOAA has increased its prediction for the ongoing 2023 Atlantic hurricane season to an above-normal level of activity. Record-warm Atlantic sea surface temperatures are likely to counterbalance the ongoing El Nino event. It’s not too late to prepare! Hurricanes are huge tropical storms that move in a counterclockwise spiral. They form […]

Heat Advisory – It’s Hot Outside

Man drinking water during heat wave

Heat related deaths and illnesses are preventable. Despite this, around 618 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year. Avoid Heat Related Injuries Wear Appropriate Clothing Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. Stay Cool Indoors Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, go […]

Keep Your Family Safe with Fireworks

Festive fireworks on the background of the American flag.

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades and fireworks. The National Safety Council advises everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals, and not to use any fireworks at home. Some may be legal but they are not safe. In 2017, eight people died and over 12,000 were injured badly enough to require medical […]

Remember to Look Before You Lock

Remember to look before you lock your car.

Never leave a child or pet in a hot car. Over the past 25 years, more than 940 children have died of heatstroke, because they were left or became trapped in a hot car. It’s important for everyone to understand that children are more vulnerable to heatstroke and that all hot car deaths are preventable. […]

Swimming Pool Safety

Lifebuoy by the pool

Did you know 69% of young children who drown were not expected to be in or near water? It only takes a moment. A child or weak swimmer can drown in the time it takes to reply to a text, check a fishing line or apply sunscreen. Death and injury from drownings happen every day […]

West Point Hurricane Evacuation Route

Virginia Department of Emergency Management Hurrican Evacuation Guidebook

Hurricane season is here, and we want to ensure you’re prepared. Thank you to the Town of West Point you can be prepared with this Virginia Hurricane Evacuation Guide that was prepared by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. Hard copies of this guide will be available in Town Hall in downtown West Point.   Other […]

Boating Season Is Here: Are You Keeping Safe?

Birds eye view of a boat in water

Keeping everybody safe while out on the water. Boats can be a great source of summer fun and leisure. But boaters, swimmers, and marina staff must be aware of dangers in and around the water. Electrical hazards and carbon monoxide (CO) bring unique risks to the boating world. Learn to protect people and pets from […]

Lawn Equipment Operations Safety & Tips

Lawn Care Safety - Lawn mower accidents cause around 85,000 injuries a year in the US.

Operating lawn equipment can be a dangerous task. To avoid injury from operating lawn equipment and protect your body from materials that are ejected mowing equipment and from being caught in moving parts, it is important to wear the appropriate clothing and equipment. Proper Clothing and Equipment While Operating Lawn Equipment Close-fitting clothes and no […]

Today’s Forecast: Thunderstorms

Spring forecast showing chance of thunderstorms with a temperature of 85 degrees.

As the temperature begins to rise, and with springs arrival comes the potential for the chances of severe weather. Don’t wait until the day of the storm to begin protecting yourself and your property. Know the differences between watches and warnings: Watches – severe weather is possible and conditions are favorable for severe weather. Warnings […]