Independence Day Safety Tips for a Fun & Safe Fourth of July Holiday

It’s time for Fourth of July celebrations – fireworks, a backyard barbecue, maybe a trip to the beach. Whatever you have planned, I want to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Here are a few safety tips that can help keep Independence Day fun and safe for everyone.

FIREWORKS 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. If you are setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:

• Never give fireworks to small children, and 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 attempt to relight “a dud.”
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
• Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

GRILLING SAFETY
Every year people in this country are injured while using backyard charcoal or gas grills. Follow these steps to safely cook up treats for the backyard barbecue:

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Never grill indoors – not in your house, camper, , or any enclosed area.
• Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill when it is open. Keep the lid closed when cooking if possible.
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
• Use the long-handled tools specially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.

BEACH SAFETY
Whether you’re headed to Lake Geneva or the beaches of Indiana or Western Michigan, make sure that you stay safe on the water. Be mindful of bad weather, rip tides and never go into the water alone. Other safety tips include:

• Keep alert for local weather conditions. Check to see if any warning signs or flags are posted. Red flags mean stay out of the water.
• Swim sober and always swim with a buddy.
• Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Protect your neck – never dive into water headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters.
• Keep a close eye and constant attention on children and adults while at the beach. Waves and rip tides can cause someone to lose their footing, even in shallow water.
• Watch out for aquatic life. Water plants and animals may be dangerous. Avoid patches of plants and leave animals alone.

RIP CURRENTS
Rip currents are responsible for deaths on our nation’s beaches every year, and for most of the rescues performed by lifeguards. Any beach with breaking waves may have rip currents. These currents are common in Lake Michigan. Be aware of the danger of rip currents and remember the following:

• If someone is caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until out of the current. Once free, they should turn and swim toward shore. If they can’t swim to the shore, they should float or tread water until free of the rip current and then head toward shore.
• Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist near these structures.

SUN PROTECTION
Limit exposure to direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15. Reapply sunscreen often. Remember to drink plenty of water regularly, even if not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they tend to dehydrate you, making sunburn more likely. Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that will absorb 100 percent of UV sunlight. Protect the feet – the sand can burn them and glass and other sharp objects can cut them.

During hot weather, watch for signs of heat stroke—hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing. If it’s suspected someone is suffering from heat stroke:

• Call 911 and move the person to a cooler place.
• Quickly cool their body by applying cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin (or misting them with water) and fanning the person.
• Watch for signs of breathing problems and make sure their airway is clear. Keep the person lying down

The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate our freedom and our great country. Celebrating is important, but so is making sure that everyone has a safe and fun celebration. Enjoy the holiday. Happy Independence Day!