Independence Day Holiday Safety Tips

As we get ready to celebrate Independence Day, many of us plan to attend fireworks displays, a backyard picnic, or perhaps enjoy fun in the water at a waterpark, beach, or pool. Here are some safety tips to ensure your holiday is safe!

FIREWORKS SAFETY

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public firework show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show. Many states outlaw most fireworks. Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks. If you are setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:

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."
5. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.

PICNIC SAFETY

1. Don’t leave food out in the hot sun. Keep perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs.
2. Wash your hands before preparing the food.
3. If you are going to 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.
4. Never grill indoors. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
5. Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.

WATER SAFETY

Children and adults should learn to swim so they at least achieve the skills of water competency. Be able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance, and then get out of the water safely. 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 rumble.

1. If you plan to swim in the ocean, a lake or a 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.
6. 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.

HIGH TEMPERATURES AND HOT SUN SAFETY REMINDERS

It is extremely important to remember that the key to staying safe in rapidly warmer environments can be summed up in three words - Water, Rest, Shade.

• Water - Drink adequate replacement fluids - small volumes (approximately 1 cup) of cool water about every 20 minutes.
• Rest - When you are on break, be sure you are getting your rest.
• Shade - Be sure you are taking your break in shaded areas. Try to get out of the direct sunlight where possible.

A few simple precautions can help prevent health problems, especially those who are active outdoors this summer:

1. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen - SPF 15+ whenever out in the sun for any length of time.
2. Wear a hat and sunglasses to block 99-100% of UVlight.
3. If it's not too hot, wear long sleeves and long pants to keep skin covered.
4. Limit UV light exposure time during the hottest part of the day (10 AM – 4 PM).
5. Check the daily UV Index (reports found in newspapers, television, or on the Web at the U.S. National Weather Service). Be especially careful when the index is high.

Be sure to follow these Holiday Safety tips all summer long to ensure safe, fun summer celebrations!

For more information about our safety culture at Middough, visit our site at: Environmental Health & Safety Services | Middough