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Keep Safety in Mind While Celebrating Independence Day

Each year, Americans look forward to July 4 and all of the celebrations that come with it: Cooking out with family and friends, spending the day by the pool with a cold drink in hand and magnificent fireworks displays. Whichever way you intend to celebrate, here are a few ways you can keep your family safe while having fun.

Cook Out Cautiously
July is the peak month for grill fires, so it’s important to be careful while cooking out. Remember these smart grilling tips:

Never use the grill indoors. Place the grill away from your home, deck railings, and any overhanging branches.
When lighting a gas grill, always leave the grill lid open.
Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from the grill area at all times.
Never leave your grill unattended.
If you smell gas while cooking, immediately turn off the grill, leave the area and call the fire department.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

Swim Safely
Most of the country is experiencing a heat wave, which means many will be heading to the pool to cool off. Whether you are at the pool, beach, river or lake, it’s important to swim with safety in mind.

Don’t go swimming alone, and never let children swim without supervision even if they are wearing life jackets.
Accidents can occur in seconds, so don’t read or become distracted while supervising children who are swimming.
When swimming in water with a strong current, stay near the shore. Young children should stay in shallow water at all times. Instruct everyone in your group about what to do if they are carried away by a current: Remain calm and swim parallel to shore.

Look Out by Locking Up
Before you head down the street to a block party or step outside to soak up some sun in your backyard, make sure your doors and windows are locked. Burglars often prey on preoccupied homeowners who leave the front door unlocked while enjoying time outside. These “sneak in” burglaries only take a few minutes and are often unnoticed by the victims. A good rule of thumb is to lock every door or window that isn’t in your view, such as the front door if you are in your backyard.

Friendly Fireworks
Fireworks are a tradition at many 4th of July celebrations. If you are forgoing a professional fireworks show this year to create your own, use extreme caution and follow these tips when handling fireworks:

Make sure fireworks are permitted in your area. Many cities and states prohibit individuals from using fireworks for safety reasons. Contact your local law officials to find out about fireworks restrictions in your area.
Always light fireworks outdoors and away from houses or people.
Children should never light fireworks.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

Summer Safety
Here are some safety tips you can use during the holiday and all summer long:

Apply sunscreen before you spend time outside. Reapply after swimming and as needed.
Consume alcohol responsibly. Always choose a designated driver.
Keep yourself hydrated to avoid heat-related illnesses.
Keep an eye on any outdoor foods so they don’t enter the danger zone (between 70°F and 125°F). Food that is left out in the sun can quickly spoil and cause sickness if eaten.

Be aware of your surroundings and remember safety while celebrating our country this holiday. By using these tips all summer, you can create safe memories that will last a lifetime.