The Fourth of July Safety Tips You Need This Holiday
- Jun 28, 2018
The Fourth of July is just around the corner. No matter what you do this Fourth of July, our team here at Earth Networks wants you to be safe. While Fourth of July safety isn’t a fun topic, it’s one that can make a big difference when reviewed annually.
So before you pack up the car, fire up the grill, or check the weather on Sferic Mobile, make sure you review these Fourth of July safety tips to keep you, your loved ones, and your guests safe this holiday week.
Firework Safety
First, let’s cover firework safety. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show and leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.
Each state sets its own laws on fireworks. While most states outlaw fireworks, others have rules that allow homeowners to set them off. If you set off fireworks at home, follow these safety steps:
- Never give fireworks to small children
- Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures, or flammable materials
- Always follow the instructions on the packaging
- Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution
- Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection
- Light only one firework at a time and never try to re-light a “dud”
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets
Heat Safety
You can use this next section of Fourth of July safety tips all summer long. Heat safety is a big deal to us here at Earth Networks. Throughout the warmer months, we hear far too many stories of folks suffering from heat-related illnesses and even deadly heat stroke.
The Fourth of July is prime time for heat-related illnesses since most people are busy outdoors. Follow these extreme heat safety tips to keep the people you care about safe.
- Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children of pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol
- Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water to drink
- Avoid extreme temperature changes
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays and make you feel hotter
- Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone, or who are more likely to be affected by the heat. If someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like schools, libraries, movie theaters, or malls
Picnic Safety
Finally, let’s move onto picnic safety. Who doesn’t love a good, old-fashioned picnic on the Fourth of July?
- Don’t leave food out in the hot sun. Keep perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs
- Wash your hands before preparing food
- If you cook on a grill, always supervise the grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited. Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe
- Never grill indoors
- Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch on fire
- Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill
Have a Happy Fourth!
No matter what you’re doing this Fourth of July week, we hope that you have a safe and happy celebration. The 2018 celebration marks the 242nd anniversary of the founding of the United States. Let us know how you plan to celebrate in the comments below or on social media.
