Who doesn’t love the Fourth of July? It’s the perfect day for grilling, hanging by the pool and celebrating
our country with family and friends.
While Independence Day may be associated with parties and
having a great time, this holiday also poses a lot of serious safety hazards.
As you’re making plans for your annual summer celebration, keep these safety
tips in mind to ensure you have the best Fourth of July yet!
Be extremely careful when using fireworks
Fireworks are a classic Fourth of July tradition but, when
handled carelessly, can pose a serious safety risk and cause severe injury. If you’re thinking
about using fireworks in your Fourth of July celebrations, first find out if
purchasing fireworks is legal in your state. Most small, handheld fireworks (officially
categorized as “sparkling devices”) are allowed in most of New York State; however, even sparklers are
prohibited in some counties in and around New York City.
If you’re living in a state where larger fireworks, such as
rockets, are allowed, follow extreme caution when handling and always keep a
bucket of water handy in case of a malfunction.
Practice safe grilling habits
Keep this one in mind all summer long! Avoid potential home
fires by practicing safe grilling. Top tips include always keeping your grill
clean, grilling away from your home, and making sure that your clothing does
not dangle above the grill. And, as always, keep a fire extinguisher at the
ready.
Be mindful around the pool
There is nothing better than hanging out by the pool on a
hot summer’s day – except maybe a Fourth of July pool party! Whether it’s your
own personal pool or your friend’s, remember to always practice caution around the water. Stay
hydrated and always keep a mindful eye on children.
Don’t forget the SPF
Most people plan on spending the majority of the day
outside, enjoying the summer weather. Before heading out the door though,
remember to put on sunscreen and set a reminder on your phone to reapply every
few hours.
Keep your pets comfy
While you may love being out in the sun all day, the family dog may not. During
the summer months, it’s important that your pets always have enough water and
access to shade to keep them from becoming dehydrated or overheating. Also,
while you may be eager to bring them to the local fireworks display, you might
want to consider leaving them home instead. Dogs’ sense of hearing is
significantly stronger than humans, and the loud noises caused by fireworks can
cause them discomfort and trigger stress.
Be wary of food safety
If you’re entertaining, be mindful of how long food will be
sitting out for guests to enjoy. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA), perishable foods should only be left out of the refrigerator for two
hours. After that, food should be discarded to prevent food-borne illness caused
by bacteria.
Drive smart
According to the Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety, the Fourth of July is the most dangerous driving day in the
United States. This is the result of several different factors including
driving drowsy, driving
while intoxicated and an increase in traffic.
If you’re traveling to celebrate the holiday and plan on
having a few drinks, remember to choose a responsible designated driver that
will help you get home safely. If you’re entertaining, keep an eye on guests
and make sure no one leaves without a sober driver.
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