Have a Happy & Safe 4^th of July

 

Because nothing kills a holiday like a trip to the ER.

 

GRILLING SAFETY

July is one of the peak months for grilling fires. Enjoy grilling your favorite meals this summer while also keeping your family safe.

1. Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.  Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.  And don’t use Gasoline as a substitute for starter fluid!
2. Never grill indoors — not in the house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
3. Make sure everyone, stays away from the grill, especially children and pets.
4. Keep the grill away from the house or anything that could catch fire. 
5. Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill.

6.     Check Gas Grill hoses for cracks, holes & leaks ~Gas leaks, blocked tubes, and propane tanks can be a cause of grill fires and explosions.

FIREWORKS SAFETY

If you plan to use your own fireworks, check first if it is legal in your area.  More than 50,000 fires are caused by fireworks every year. Take the proper precautions when operating fireworks.

1. Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
2. Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
3. Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
4. Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.” (wait 20 minute to be sure it’s a dud – then place it in a bucket of water).
5. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.

• 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 fire-resistant.
• Don't attempt to ignite fireworks at the same time.
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers to prevent firework-related injuries.
• Resist the urge to bring your dog to a fireworks display. The safest place for them is at home where it's familiar, quiet and not crowded.

WATER SAFETY

Warmer weather means enjoying the water. Be “water smart,” have swimming skills and know how to help others. This includes home pools — where young children are most at risk of drowning — and open water, such as ponds, rivers and lakes — where older children and teens are more likely to drown than any other location. With less access to lifeguarded aquatic facilities this summer, youth and teens may consider open water environments that are not designated for swimming.

1. Talk to your children, including older youth and teenagers, about water safety. A variety of resources are available at redcross.org/watersafety and redcross.org/watersafetyforkids.
2. If you choose to take your family to the water, make sure the area is designated for swimming and has lifeguards on duty.
3. Consider designating a water watcher whose sole responsibility is to supervise people during any in-water activity until the next person takes over.
4. Kiddie or inflatable pools can be a great way to have fun. Drain the water from the pool and flip it over after swim time is over.
5. Watch the weather and get out of the water at the first sign of lightning or the rumble of thunder. Stay indoors and away from water for 30 minutes after the last lightning flashes or thunder roars.
6. Provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising in or near water
7. Fence pools and spas with adequate barriers, including four-sided fencing
8. Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets;

BEACH SAFETY

1. If you plan to swim in the ocean, a lake or river, be aware that swimming in these environments is different than swimming in a pool. Be sure you have the skills for these environments.
2. Swim only at a beach with a lifeguard, within the designated swimming area. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards and ask them about local conditions.
3. Make sure you swim sober and that you always swim with a buddy. Know your limitations and make sure you have enough energy to swim back to shore.
4. Protect your neck – don’t dive headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters. Watch out for and avoid aquatic life.
5. If you are caught in a rip current, try not to panic. Signal to those on shore that you need assistance. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, swim toward shore. If you can't swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.
6. Set up a meeting place in case someone gets separated from your group. Use the buddy system to make sure no child is alone.

And a few  “Don’ts”

Don't clean with a wire grill brush

After your cookout is through, don't scrub off the grill with a wire bristle brush. The risk: The brush's wire bristles can break off, remain on the grill grate, and end up in the food you're cooking,  Try using crumpled aluminum foil to scrub those grates instead.

Don't drink and drive

Yes, this one should be obvious. But Independence Day was the deadliest day on the road for Americans between 2013 and 2017, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Boat drivers should also beware: Alcohol use is the top known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, according to a U.S. Coast Guard report.

Don't leave your dog in the car

At least 28 states have laws preventing leaving pets in a hot car — and ignoring them can be deadly. The temperature inside a car can rise nearly 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association reports.

Don't use expired sunscreen

Be aware of your sunscreen's expiration date — some of its ingredients might become less effective over time.  And Don't forget to put sunscreen on your feet!