It’s time for July 4th celebrations – fireworks, backyard barbecues, trips to the beach! We want everyone to follow these tips and have a safe July 4th this year!
Fireworks safety: the safest way to enjoy fireworks is the leave it to the professionals. But if you are setting off fireworks at home please follow these safety tips:
- Never let children play with them
- Keep water supply or hose nearby
- Wear eye protection
- Light only one at a time
- Store them in a cool, dry place
Grilling safety: every year many are injured using backyard charcoal or gas grills. Follow these steps to safely cook on your backyard grill:
- Always supervise a grill while it is in use
- Never grill indoors – not in your house, camper, tent, screened porch, or any enclosed area
- Make sure everyone, including children and pets, stays away from the grill area
- Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches and especially your vinyl siding
- Use long-handled tools to keep the chef safe
- Never add lighter fluid after the coals have been ignited
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
Beach safety: if you plan to go to the beach, swim only near lifeguard stations and obey their instructions:
- Stay alert for current weather conditions – look for warning signs or flags
- Do not swim in you’re intoxicated – and never swim alone
- Have young or inexperienced swimmers wear approved life jacket
- Do not dive headfirst in shallow water and walk carefully in open water
- Keep close eye on children and older people – even mild waves can cause them to lose their footing
- Be aware of aquatic life – it’s their home not yours
- Watch out for rip currents – if caught in one swim parallel to the shore until you can get out of it
Sun protection: limit exposure to direct sunlight in the middle of the day and wear a broad spectrum sunscreen
- Remember to reapply sunscreen often
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid alcohol or caffeine
- Wear sunglasses
- Protect your feet – the sand gets very hot
In addition to these tips, watch for signs of heat stroke – hot, red skin, changes in consciousness, rapid or weak pulse or shallow breathing. Call 911 immediately and move them to a cooler place. Apply cool, wet cloths to their skin.
If you follow these safety tips you will be sure to have a safe July 4th this year!