Fourth of July Safety

It’s time for Fourth of July celebrations – fireworks, a backyard barbecue, maybe even a trip to the beach. Whatever you have planned, the Health Center wants you to enjoy their holiday by following these safety tips.

Fireworks… 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.

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.

Grilling… 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.

 Swimming… The safest way to swim is with a lifeguard present.  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 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.
• Don’t bring kids with diarrhea to the pool.  They may have an easily transmitted communicable disease.

The Sun… 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.

By keeping these safety precautions in mind this Fourth of July, we hope your family celebration will be a blast!

Source: Red Cross