Fourth Of July Safety Tips For The Whole Family
If you don’t practice safety, there are a lot of ways for people to get sick or injured on the fourth of July. A lot of these things are easily prevented though with a little bit of common sense and precaution. I get it, this year is a bit different, but we still have lots of people hanging out. To help make sure you have a safe and fun Fourth of July follow these steps.
Heat Protection
July can have some pretty extreme temperatures, which is why it’s important to make sure everyone stays hydrated and safe.
- Don’t leave kids and pets alone in enclosed vehicles
- Drink Plenty of Water, but…
- Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine if You Can
- Check on Seniors Often
- Check on Animals Regularly
- Have a Shaded Spot You Can Retreat To
- Wear Loose-Fitting, Light-Colored Clothing
Skin Protection
If you’re going to be spending a lot of time outside, then it is vital you have proper skin protection not only for yourself but the whole family.
- Wear sunscreen with a high SPF and reapply it every 2 hours, or every 45 minutes if you’re swimming or sweating a lot.
- Press your hand to the ground and hold it for 5 seconds, if it is uncomfortable then it is too hot for pets and children to walk on without protection
- Sit in the shade as much as possible, but especially while the sun is at its peak in the sky.
Water Safety
If you’re going to be on the water or if you have a pool, there are a few extra steps you can take to make sure that your family is safe.
- Supervise all young children while they swim
- Never assume anyone else is watching your children
- Keep your pool completely enclosed by a fence to prevent accidents
- If you are boating make sure you have a life jacket for everyone on board
- Don’t Consume Alcohol While Boating
BBQing
Having a bbq has its own host of potential hazards because you are dealing with high temperatures, fire, and in some cases…bbqs can explode. Here’s how you can make sure you’re BBQing safely.
- Inspect the bbq before you start it up
- Never bbq indoors or in an enclosed area
- Keep the bbq at least 3 feet away from decks, houses, and sheds
- Ensure that your bbq isn’t close to anything that could easily catch fire like dry grass
- Keep children away from the bbq grill
Fireworks
If you’re lucky enough to live in one of the areas of the country that allows fireworks then there are a few things you need to do to stay safe while using them.
- Only use fireworks on sidewalks and roads to avoid grass or weeds catching fire
- Never light fireworks in your hand
- If a firework doesn’t go off do not try again. Set it to the side for 20 minutes before you throw it away.
- Always have water nearby just in case
- Soak all used fireworks in water before throwing them in the trash
- Check on your pets while fireworks are being set. If they don’t like thunderstorms, they won’t like fireworks. Put them in a secure and quiet location.
- Always follow the directions on the fireworks
There you have it, a list a ways to stay safe during the holiday. If you are like me and are staying home, a few of these safety tips still apply. Be safe and have a wonderful holiday weekend!
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