For most families, the Fourth of July means barbecues, the beach or fireworks.
But while there’s lots of fun to be had this holiday, there’s also a lot that could go wrong. Here are some tips to make sure you and your family stay safe as you celebrate.
GRILLS
The facts: Grilling hot dogs and hamburgers is a big part of many celebrations, but the grill can be dangerous. The National Fire Protection Association says one-third of house fires start on a porch or exterior balcony.
Stay safe: Position your grill away from the house siding or overhangs. Keep your grill clean and never leave it unattended. Also make sure kids and pets don’t get too close to the grill. If you’re using a charcoal grill, cool the coals completely before you dispose of them.
WATER
The facts: The U.S. Coast Guard says 70 percent of boating accidents are caused by operator error. If you’re operating a boat, you should know how to use it – and consider taking a course ahead of time.
Stay safe: You and your passengers should wear a life jacket the entire time you’re on the boat – even if the waters seem calm. There’s rarely time to reach life jackets that are stowed away. When swimming, stick to areas monitored by a lifeguard, keep young kids or those learning to swim in arm’s reach and don’t divert your attention from supervising those in the water.
WEATHER
The facts: Heat is the No. 1 weather-related killer in the U.S., according to the National Weather Service.
Stay safe: To beat the heat, slow down and don’t engage in strenuous activities, especially during peak sun hours. Dress for the weather, and drink lots of water or non-alcoholic beverages.
Pay careful attention to your kids or elderly relatives – they often feel the effects of heat long before you do.
ALCOHOL
The facts: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were nearly 12,000
drunk-driving deaths in the U.S. in 2008.
Stay safe: Don’t drive or go out on the water if you’ve been drinking. If you won’t be drinking, volunteer to serve as a designated driver. Wear your seat belt and drive responsibly in case there are impaired drivers on the road.
FIREWORKS
The facts: There are typically more fires on July 4 than any other day, according to the National Fire Protection Association, and half of those fires are due to fireworks.
The association also says nearly 10,000 people have to go to the emergency room each year for fireworks injuries.
Stay safe: The NFPA urges people not to use consumer fireworks (in fact, they are illegal in five states, with another six states banning most fireworks), and instead leave it to the professionals. Also, don’t let children
pick up fireworks after they have been used, as they may still be active.
For most families, the Fourth of July means barbecues, the beach or fireworks.
But while there’s lots of fun to be had this holiday, there’s also a lot that could go wrong. Here are some tips to make sure you and your family stay safe as you celebrate.
GRILLS
The facts: Grilling hot dogs and hamburgers is a big part of many celebrations, but the grill can be dangerous. The National Fire Protection Association says one-third of house fires start on a porch or exterior balcony.
Stay safe: Position your grill away from the house siding or overhangs. Keep your grill clean and never leave it unattended. Also make sure kids and pets don’t get too close to the grill. If you’re using a charcoal grill, cool the coals completely before you dispose of them.
WATER
The facts: The U.S. Coast Guard says 70 percent of boating accidents are caused by operator error. If you’re operating a boat, you should know how to use it – and consider taking a course ahead of time.
Stay safe: You and your passengers should wear a life jacket the entire time you’re on the boat – even if the waters seem calm. There’s rarely time to reach life jackets that are stowed away. When swimming, stick to areas monitored by a lifeguard, keep young kids or those learning to swim in arm’s reach and don’t divert your attention from supervising those in the water.
WEATHER
The facts: Heat is the No. 1 weather-related killer in the U.S., according to the National Weather Service.
Stay safe: To beat the heat, slow down and don’t engage in strenuous activities, especially during peak sun hours. Dress for the weather, and drink lots of water or non-alcoholic beverages.
Pay careful attention to your kids or elderly relatives – they often feel the effects of heat long before you do.
ALCOHOL
The facts: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were nearly 12,000
drunk-driving deaths in the U.S. in 2008.
Stay safe: Don’t drive or go out on the water if you’ve been drinking. If you won’t be drinking, volunteer to serve as a designated driver. Wear your seat belt and drive responsibly in case there are impaired drivers on the road.
FIREWORKS
The facts: There are typically more fires on July 4 than any other day, according to the National Fire Protection Association, and half of those fires are due to fireworks.
The association also says nearly 10,000 people have to go to the emergency room each year for fireworks injuries.
Stay safe: The NFPA urges people not to use consumer fireworks (in fact, they are illegal in five states, with another six states banning most fireworks), and instead leave it to the professionals. Also, don’t let children
pick up fireworks after they have been used, as they may still be active.
