Have A Safe July 4th This Year

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!