The week of summer celebrating and grilling is almost upon us. Each year, families and friends gather to enjoy a summer 
break and celebrate American Independence while engaging in favorite pastime activities such as watching fireworks, grilling out, enjoying a dip in the water, and taking the boat out in the open ocean. While these activities are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face, there are some safety concerns that should be addressed before each Fourth of July celebration, especially if you will be including children in the festivities. Here we offer a few reminders to help you have a safe and enjoyable Fourth.
Fireworks Safety
The best way to stay safe while watching fireworks is to attend a public show hosted by professionals. There is always a higher risk of injury if you decide to use fireworks on your own. If you do choose to purchase any fireworks to celebrate this year, make sure you check local laws first to ensure that you are only using legal fireworks in your area.
Additional safety reminders:
- Never allow children to handle fireworks.
- Keep children and pets away from fireworks.
- Always follow instructions.
- Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.
- Never try to relight a dud, and only light one firework at a time.
- Never point a firework at a person or animal.
- Leave the area if someone is using fireworks irresponsibly.
Grill Safety
When using a grill, it’s important to make sure that you follow all instructions. Only someone who is experienced with grilling should be near the flames unsupervised.
Safety Reminders:
- Always supervise the grill when it is turned on and there are active flames.
- Never grill indoors, in a tent, or in any enclosed area.
- Keep children and pets away from the grill.
- Use long-handled tools to minimize the risk of burns.
Beach and Water Activities Safety
When in and around the water this summer, make sure that children are supervised at all times. If someone is not confident in the water, he or she should always wear a life jacket.
Safety Reminders:
- Follow all posted warnings about water conditions and any instructions from the lifeguard.
- Check the weather before getting in the water. Do not swim if there is lightning or thunder.
- Swim sober.
- Don’t dive headfirst into shallow water or water that is unfamiliar. Neck injuries can occur if swimmers are unaware of the depth of the water.
- Wear sun protection if outdoors and in the water.
Boating Safety
The seas can be busy during holidays like the Fourth of July. Therefore, it’s essential that an experienced boater drive the boat and not someone who is unfamiliar with boating.
Safety Reminders:
- There must be enough life jackets on board for each person to wear one in the event of an emergency.
- Children should wear life jackets at all times while on a boat.
- Never drink alcoholic beverages while operating a boat.
- Have a first aid kit available on the vessel.
- Make sure all engines and onboard equipment are working properly before leaving land.
- Pay attention at all times to other boaters, channel markers, and posted signs.
Summer holidays can provide an opportunity for long days of family fun, but it’s always important to make sure you are considering safety as a top priority. Our goal is to make sure that our clients, friends, family, and community remain safe in whatever activity they choose to do. Therefore, we are committed to providing the community with safety reminders year-round.
References:
Red Cross Issues Safety Tips For 4th of July Holiday. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://redcross.org/news/article/Red-Cross-Issues-Safety-Tips-For-4th-of-July-Holiday
Webteam, W. (2017, June 30). Stay safe this 4th of July with these tips and regulations. Retrieved from https://abcactionnews.com/news/stay-safe-this-4th-of-july-with-these-tips-and-regulations
