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4th of July safety guide

The 4th of July is a wonderful time for family, friends, fun, freedom, and fireworks. But, outdoor grills, pyrotechnics, and unattended homes can create dangerous situations. Keep these tips in mind to have a fun and safe Independence Day.

Stay safe around fireworks
Fireworks and the 4th go hand in hand, but mishandling them can lead to serious injury. According to the National Fire Protection Association, each 4th of July, thousands of people are injured using consumer fireworks. Children and teens are most at risk.

To stay safe, leave the fireworks to the professionals, but if you plan to use consumer fireworks at home always:

• Keep water handy in case of an emergency
• Use fireworks outside and far from wooden objects
• Never allow children to hold fireworks
• Obey all local fireworks laws

Protect your home while you’re away
Even though it’s a national holiday, that doesn’t mean thieves are taking the day off. If you’re heading out to celebrate with friends or family, you should take precautions to ensure your home isn’t a target for burglars:

• Double-check that all doors and windows are locked
• Add motion-sensitive fixtures and automatic light timers outside
• Clear areas in your landscape that could provide thieves with hiding spots
• Put tools and garden equipment away at the end of the day
• Make sure the locks on your outdoor shed are secure

Stay safe in the sun
Celebrating the 4th often means long hours in the sun, which can lead to sunburns and more severe conditions like heat stroke. Take the following precautions to help ensure the sun doesn’t spoil your fun:

• Use sunscreen 30 SPF or higher
• Drink lots of water
• Use sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays
• Use an umbrella or overhang for shade

Keep the fire in the grill
There is an average of 8,800 home fires annually as a result of outdoor grilling. July is the month with the most grill fires, which shouldn’t be a surprise given more people cook out on the 4^th of July than any other day of the year. Keep the following advice in mind, and the only thing you’ll burn is your hot dogs:

• Use the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building
• Use baking soda to put out a grease fire
• Keep pets and children away from the grill
• Use long-handled tools to protect yourself from burns

For informational use only. Not applicable to all situations.