Red Cross offers Fourth of July safety tips
The Fourth of July holiday is just around the corner, and a day off from work in the middle of the week means that many of us will travel to visit loved ones, watch fireworks or host a picnic to celebrate. While these activities are great ways to enjoy time with family and friends, they can also come with risks.
The local Red Cross wants everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday and is offering tips to encourage safe celebration of our nation’s independence.
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. 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:
Follow local laws related to fireworks. Many fireworks are banned in the state of Oregon. Fireworks are legal in the state of Washington but regulations vary by county and city. 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. Keep a supply of water nearby 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. Keep pets indoors during fireworks shows.
HEAT SAFETY
Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees. Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Avoid extreme temperature changes. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays. Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat. If someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like schools, libraries, theaters, malls, etc.
PICNIC & GRILLING SAFETY
Don’t leave food out in the hot sun. Keep perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or ice packs. Wash your hands before preparing the food. 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 long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe. Never grill indoors. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire. Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
ROAD TRIP SAFETY
Let someone know your destination, arrival time and route, so that help can be sent if needed. Perform safety checks on your vehicle before you leave. Clean its lights and windows, check the tires and make sure your vehicle has enough gas, wiper fluid and water. Buckle up! Check your child’s safety seat to ensure it is fastened correctly. Never drink and drive. Appoint a designated driver. Make frequent stops and rest when you get tired. Carry an emergency kit in the trunk. Visit the Red Cross website to find more information about building your own disaster supplies kit.
DOWNLOAD RED CROSS APPS The Red Cross Emergency App can help keep you and your loved ones safe by putting vital information in your hand for more than 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts. The Red Cross First Aid App puts instant access to information on handling the most common first aid emergencies at your fingertips. Download these apps by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or at redcross.org/apps.
