Ticks
• Ticks can carry Lyme Disease and Tickborne Encephalitis. Wear light-colored clothing in a forested area and long sleeves.
• Try not to brush against the underbrush.
• Apply a bug spray containing DEET.
• After being outdoors, check yourself thoroughly for ticks, especially in the groin and armpit areas.
• If you find a tick, remove it by grasping the base with tweezers and pulling back swiftly.
• If you develop a rash around a bite site, see your doctor.
• To receive a Tickborne Encephalitis vaccine on the German economy, see your doctor.
Source: Stuttgart Army Health Clinic
Rodents
• Some rodents carry Hantavirus, which can cause severe illness.
• Do not touch rodent droppings, urine or nesting materials.
• Call Pest Management at 0711-729-6261.
Caterpillars
• Oak Processionary Caterpillars eject tiny hairs into the air that can cause rashes.
• If the hairs cause difficulty breathing, seek emergency attention.
• Stay clear of roped-off trees.
Swimming
• Never leave children unattended.
• Designate a responsible adult to watch young children while around water. Adults should not be involved in any other distracting activity while supervising children.
• When swimming in the sea, check for warning flags and where it is safe to swim. Note that lifeguards are not always present.
• Never swim when tired, overheated or immediately after eating.
• Always swim with a buddy. Select swimming sites that have lifeguards, whenever possible.
• Do not drink alcohol before or during any water activity.
• Learn to swim.
• Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Do not use air-filled or foam toys like “water wings,” “noodles” or inner-tubes in place of personal flotation devices. These toys are not designed to keep swimmers safe.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Here in Germany
• There will be no lifeguard, or “Bademeister,” sitting on a high chair and watching the pool, but one will always be in attendance. Look for the Bademeister’s office.
• Only swim in places where a lifeguard is present.
Some information on these pages was provided by the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Safety Center website, https://safety.army.mil.
Grilling
• Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home and overhanging tree branches.
• Keep children and pets away from the grilling area.
• Do not wear loose clothing.
• Keep your grill clean.
• Always grill on a flat, stable surface.
• Never leave a grill unattended.
Source: www.nfpa.org/education
Propane grills
• Check for leaks: apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles.
• If your grill has a leak, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
• Do not store propane tanks indoors.
Charcoal grills
• Only use charcoal starter fluid — never gasoline.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of reach of children and away from heat sources.
• After grilling, let the coals cool and dispose of them in a metal container.
Bicycling
• Wear high-visibility clothing and a properly-fitted helmet.
• Follow the same rules as vehicle drivers.
• On narrow roads, use the full lane.
• Use shoulders only if they are clear of debris, and not on steep descents.
• Keep your bicycle inspected.
• German traffic law requires bicycles to be fitted with dyno-powered front and rear lights, reflectors for front and rear, pedals and wheels, a working bell, and front and rear brakes. There are special rules for bicycles not weighing more than 24 pounds, four ounces.
• Children up to 8 years old must use sidewalks; those 8 to 10 years of age may use sidewalks. Children more than 10 years old must use the signed bicycle paths or roads.
• Cell phone use is forbidden when riding.
• Cyclists face the same penalties for riding under the influence of alcohol as vehicle drivers.
Driving
• Do not drink and drive.
• Rest before driving. Drive for 10 hours at a maximum, and take a break every two hours.
• Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seat belt. Children 12 years old and younger, or 4’11” or shorter, must use a suitable restraint device.
• Keep your vehicle in safe operating condition.