The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate America’s independence and enjoy family and friends. With all of the celebration going on, it can be easy to let your guard down. We’ve got some tips for what to look out for to help you all have a safe and happy Fourth.
As July is one of the hottest months of the year, many families turn to water activities to beat the heat. However, even fun water activities have serious risks if the proper precautions aren’t taken.
- Review safe boating practices.
- Never consume alcohol while driving a boat.
- Before boating, always check that there are enough life preservers on hand for every passenger.
- Set water safety rules for your family.
- Pools should be enclosed completely with a fence to restrict access to the area. Consider installing wireless outdoor sensors that will alert you via phone or with a chime inside your home if the sensors are activated.
- Keep a first aid kit near the pool.
July is one of the peak months for grilling fires. Enjoy grilling your favorite meals this summer while also keeping your family safe.
- Check gas grill hoses for cracks, holes and leaks.
- Keep children away from grills. Gas leaks, blocked tubes, and propane tanks can be a cause of grill fires and explosions.
- Never grill indoors, in the garage, in any enclosed area or on a surface that might catch fire.
- Keep the grill at least two feet away from decks, siding, branches and any outdoor equipment that can catch fire quickly.
More than 50,000 fires are caused by fireworks every year. Take the proper precautions when operating fireworks.Never disassemble or try to make your own fireworks.
- Don’t point sparklers, or fireworks at yourself or others, especially while they’re being lit.
- Only light fireworks on the ground and in areas that are dry and fire resistant.
- Don’t attempt to light multiple devices at the same time.
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers.
- Always keep a portable fire extinguisher close by. Also keep a water hose or buckets of water nearby to put out fires.
According to Insider, The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, with approximately 9,500 people in the US receiving a skin cancer diagnosis every single day.3
- Shirts, hats, shorts, and pants shield your skin from the sun’s UV rays, reducing burn risk by 27%.
- Picnic under a tree or take a canopy to the beach. Keep infants in the shade, reducing the risk of multiple burns by 30%.
- Sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory, they protect your eyes from UV radiation.
- Go outdoors in early morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky.
- Red, sore, blistered skin means you’ve got too much sun, don’t get burned!
- The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent sun overexposure.
Millions of people will be on the highways over the Fourth of July weekend. The Red Cross offers these five tips everyone should follow to stay safe while traveling:
- Buckle seat belts, observe speed limits.
- Do not drink and drive.
- Pay full attention to the road – don’t use a cell phone to call or text.
- Use caution in work zones.
- Clean the vehicle’s lights and windows to help the driver see, especially at night. Turn the headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.
SOURCES:
- ADT
- The Environmental Working Group
- Insider
- The American Red Cross