This Fourth of July may be different this year for your family and friends, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still be fun. With these Fourth of July safety tips, it can also be safe.
#1) Be careful with your sparklers.
Sparkers alone account for 25% of emergency room fireworks injuries. They burn at 2,000 degrees and can be deadly if used incorrectly.
2) Don’t point fireworks at yourself or others.
This shouldn’t have to be written, yet people still do it.
3) Don’t attempt to relight a firework that doesn’t go off.
A dud may cause a break in your festivities, but it may ignite while you’re in a dangerous position. Douse it with water and move onto the next firework.
4) Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
A bucket or a hose can keep a small fire from turning into a bigger situation.
5) Keep pets inside when using fireworks.
The safest place for Fido when the festivities begin is home in a familiar and quiet location.
6) Stay away from the grill if you’re not making the burgers and hotdogs.
Your grillmaster should be constantly supervising the grill and keeping children and pets away from the area.
7) If you’re using a pool, designate a lifeguard.
Someone should be taking the sole responsibility to make sure people swim safely. Swap this out every hour someone’s in the pool.
8) If you’re going boating, appoint a designated driver.
You should never consume alcohol while driving a boat.
9) Use sunscreen!
Direct sunlight is at its worst between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Red Cross recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 15SPF.
10) Stay home if you are sick.
While it may be disappointing to miss out on the fun, you may spread your illness to those around you. There are plenty of fireworks shows that you can search for and watch from the comfort of your home.
For more safety tips, check out this video on our summertime carbon monoxide safety tips.