Tips for a Safe 4th of July Weekend

Tips for a Safe 4th of July Weekend

Safety is one of Ancon Construction’s top priorities.  Our goal is for our employees to come to work and go home to their families.  We have an extensive 85+ page safety program to ensure this and it is re-inforced daily on our job sites and in our office.  Work is not the only place to remind everyone of safety as we approach the upcoming Fourth of July celebration weekend – fireworks, a backyard barbecue, maybe a trip to the beach. Whatever people have planned, Ancon Construction wants to pass on some of the American Red Cross’s holiday safety tips so we can all enjoy a safe weekend with our family and friends.

FIREWORKS SAFETY The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show. Many states outlaw most fireworks. If someone is setting fireworks off at home, they should follow these safety steps:

 

  • Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
  • Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
  • Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
  • Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
  • Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
  • Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

 

GRILLING SAFETY Every year people in this country are injured while using backyard charcoal or gas grills. Follow these steps to safely cook up treats for the backyard barbecue:

 

  • Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
  • Never grill indoors – not in your house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
  • Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
  • Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
  • Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.
  • Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.

 

BEACH SAFETY If someone’s visit to the shore includes swimming in the ocean, they should learn how to swim in the surf and only swim at a lifeguarded beach, within the designated swimming area. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Other safety tips include:

 

  • Keep alert for local weather conditions. Check to see if any warning signs or flags are posted.
  • Swim sober and always swim with a buddy.
  • Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
  • Protect the neck – don’t dive headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters.
  • Keep a close eye and constant attention on children and adults while at the beach. Wave action can cause someone to lose their footing, even in shallow water.
  • Watch out for aquatic life. Water plants and animals may be dangerous. Avoid patches of plants and leave animals alone.

 

RIP CURRENTS Rip currents are responsible for deaths on our nation’s beaches every year, and for most of the rescues performed by lifeguards. Any beach with breaking waves may have rip currents. Be aware of the danger of rip currents and remember the following:

 

  • If someone is caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until out of the current. Once free, they should turn and swim toward shore. If they can’t swim to the shore, they should float or tread water until free of the rip current and then head toward shore.
  • Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist near these structures.

 

Additional water safety tips are available at redcross.org/watersafetytips

SUN PROTECTION Limit exposure to direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15. Reapply sunscreen often. Remember to drink plenty of water regularly, even if not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. Protect the eyes by wearing sunglasses that will absorb 100 percent of UV sunlight. Protect the feet – the sand can burn them and glass and other sharp objects can cut them.

During hot weather, watch for signs of heat stroke—hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing. If it’s suspected someone is suffering from heat stroke:

 

  • Call 9-1-1 and move the person to a cooler place.
  • Quickly cool the body by applying cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin (or misting it with water) and fanning the person.
  • Watch for signs of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down

Have a safe weekend and enjoy fellowship with friends and family!

-Ancon Construction

Source:  http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Red-Cross-Issues-Safety-Tips-For-4th-of-July-Holiday

 

 

Ancon Construction Unveils Fly Thru Video of the New ETHOS Science Center!

Ancon Construction Unveils Fly Thru Video of the New ETHOS Science Center!

Elkhart, IN

Ancon Construction and TMP Visual Concepts unveil the exterior fly thru for the new ETHOS Science Center.

Since 2012 Ancon Construction has been working with ETHOS Science Center to plan and design their new home.  Awarded as one of the Regional Cities projects, that dream is now a reality as construction has begun.  Ancon Designer Matt VanSoest has been the lead design driver on the project since 2012 commented, “Our goal was to provide enriching outdoor learning environments nestled into the landscape.”  The outdoor learning environments include: botany study at retention pond, outdoor lab for science experiments, gravity drop test by re-purposing a former fire escape stair, central plaza with jumbo-tron to watch live feeds of events around the country pertaining to science and technology, grassy areas for outdoor learning/hands on science playground, solar panel study, and butterfly garden ecosystem.  Check out the fly thru video below to see what the project will look like once complete.

Do you have a dream?  Ready to make it a reality?  Contact Ancon Construction HERE to get your project started!

Ethos Science Center Construction Update!

Ethos Science Center Construction Update!

Elkhart, IN

Ancon Construction announced several months ago the plans for the new Ethos Science Center.  Construction has started and we wanted to provide an update.  Check out the drone footage to see the construction in action!  Stay tuned for our next video which will be virtual tour of the outside of the building highlighting all the features!  When completed, this is going to be a treasure for our community.  To learn more about Ethos and the classes in S.T.E.M they offer check out their website HERE.   Got a project you want to talk about?  Click HERE and let’s get it started!

Ancon Announces New Hotel Project in South Bend, IN!

Ancon Announces New Hotel Project in South Bend, IN!

South Bend, IN 6/2/17

Ancon Construction, premier design|build construction firm, announces that a new Holiday Inn Express will begin construction on the south side of South Bend.  The location will be in the out lot area of the former Kmart/Sears site near the corner of Ireland Road and US 31/Michigan.  JSK Hospitality has partnered with Ancon Construction on this project which looks to open April 2018.

The hotel will have 88 rooms and full amenities.  In addition to the hotel, there are other future projects being planned on the once vacant site.  Ryan Kring, Vice President of Business Development commented, “We are thrilled to begin a partnership with JSK Hospitality.  Their organization has grown and they now are in a position to work with design build general contractors like Ancon.  As a south side resident myself, I am happy to see this long time vacant area begin to see new life.  I believe this project will be the catalyst for future development for the entire site.”  Kring went on to say that he can easily envision a future restaurant and perhaps even a brewery.  Kring stated, “The location, with visibility from the bypass and direct access on US 31, provides tremendous exposure and high traffic counts.  All things that developers look for when deciding where to build.”

Do you have a project you want to discuss or get started?  Click HERE to learn more about our design build services and let’s get your project started!