The Fourth of July is known for its picnics, parades, fireworks and fun — but it’s also a time when festivities can be marred by accidents and injuries.
To make the most of your Independence Day celebrations, while keeping you and your loved ones safe, keep in mind these safety tips compiled from a variety of news releases and websites.
These tips are from the American College of Emergency Physicians:
Fireworks safety
- Leave fireworks displays to the professionals. If you do plan to shoot off fireworks, avoid using them near residential areas.
- Do not handle fireworks if you are drinking alcohol, or are supervising others who may be relying on you if an emergency occurs.
- Avoid purchasing or using illegal fireworks. Do not attempt to make your own.
- Read warning labels and follow all instructions. Do not use fireworks in any way other than suggested on the label.
- Have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Light fireworks one at a time.
- Do not re-ignite a firework that did not function properly.
- Avoid burns or other accidents by not standing or crouching over a firework you’re attempting to light. After lighting the firework, back up a safe distance away.
- Do not point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Dress properly. Loose-fitting clothing can be a fire hazard.
- Do not set off fireworks in a glass or metal container that can create fragments and can cause severe injuries.
- Dispose of all fireworks properly. Soak them all in water before throwing them away.
General safety tips
- If you are outdoors, be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid become dehydrated.
- Apply and reapply sunscreen to protect your skin.
- Be aware that young children and senior citizens are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
- Monitor your alcohol consumption. Too much alcohol can lead to avoidable accidents. Do not drink and drive. It puts you, your friends, your loved ones and strangers at risk. If you’re going to drink, have a designated driver or have someone drive you home.
- Keep in mind that alcohol accelerates the effects of heat-related illnesses.
- Refrigerate food that needs to be kept cold. Food poisoning can occur in as little as one hour when temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Foods that must be kept cold should be placed in a cooler on ice.
Water safety
- At the pool, lake or beach: Be sure there’s a lifeguard or chaperone keeping an eye on the children.
- Boaters: Be sure you have a current license, updated safety equipment and life jackets on board. Also, be aware of current boating laws and safety procedures.
Grill safely
Be mindful of the risk of open fires and gas lines. Keep family football games, other recreational activities, children and pets a safe distance away from flames.
Hiking and camping safety
When hiking or camping, be sure to protect yourself with the appropriate gear and insect repellent. If you are planning to hike in a remote location, be sure your family or other loved ones are aware of your departure time and approximate route.
For more safety and health tips, visit EmergencyCareForYou.org.
These tips are from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Avoiding harmful sun exposure
- Try to avoid going outdoors between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., because that’s when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Children should avoid direct UV rays as best as possible.
- No sun at all is best for infants younger than 6 months old. If they are outdoors, be sure to cover them with a hat and cover their neck and extremities. It is best to avoid using sunscreen on babies less than 6 months old.
- Use sunscreen to prevent sunburns. The sunscreen should be broad spectrum, which is is effective against both UVA and UVB rays, and at least 15 SPF, although there is little evidence that anything above 50 SPF provides additional protective effects.
- Regularly reapply sunscreen. Water-resistant sunscreen does not mean it should be applied only once. Applications should be made every 2 hours or so, especially if one is sweating, and in and out of the water.
These tips come from AAA
The summer holidays are a popular time for vacations. Stay safe while traveling by following these suggestions:
- Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained. If maintenance is not up to date, have your car and tires inspected before you take a long drive.
- Map your route in advance and be prepared for busy roads during the most popular times of the year. If possible, consider leaving earlier or later to avoid heavy traffic.
- Keep anything of value in the trunk or covered storage area.
- If you’re traveling with children, remind them not to talk to strangers. Go with them on bathroom breaks and give them whistles to be used only if the family gets separated.
- Have roadside assistance contact information on hand, in case an incident occurs on the road.
- Keep a cellphone and charger with you at all times.
Finally, a word from the Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles department. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe over the Fourth of July weekend by following these suggestions:
- Always buckle up. A seatbelt is your vehicle’s most important safety feature.
- Designate a sober driver and never drive impaired. Remember: even one drink increases the risk of a crash while driving. Do not let anyone who has been drinking get behind the wheel, including you.
- Check your tires before you take a trip. Properly maintaining and inspecting your tires before a long trip is a key step in keeping your family safe while traveling. It is crucial that motorists educate themselves on the importance of maintaining proper tire pressure, and inspect tire tread and damage on a regular basis in order to avoid potentially fatal tire failure and rollover crashes.
- Do not drive distracted. Distracted driving is extremely risky behavior that not only puts drivers and passengers in danger, but also pedestrians and bicyclists sharing the road. Focused attention on driving helps to prevent crashes overall.
- Use caution when traveling through an area where there is smoke, especially at night.
- Call the FHP at *347 to report drunk drivers, traffic crashes, stranded or disabled motorists, or suspicious incidents on the road.
July 4, 2018
