Make It a Happy Fourth of July with A Few Precautions

I hate to sound like a stick in the mud on the eve of July Fourth but nobody wants a tragedy, and ironically the times we are most at risk are when we are celebrating.

When You're Watching Fireworks

Fireworks are a big deal right now, in both public and private displays. The safest way to enjoy this is in the audience, at least 500 feet back, according to the Red Cross, watching the professionals at work.

Thousands of people will be hurt by fireworks on the Fourth of July. Emergency rooms in 2013 treated almost 12,000 people hurt by fireworks, NFPA.org reports. Children up to the age of 4 years old are most frequently injured, with the next age group most affected between 10 and 14 years old.

Fireworks started 17,800 fires in 2011. There were 1200 structure fires, 400 fires to vehicles, with 40 civilian injuries, and property damage of $32 million, according to NFPA.org.

If you are planning on having fireworks at home, or at a private party, there are ways of keeping things safe.

Little children should not handle nor be near fireworks of any kind. And adults who are lighting fireworks should wear protective eye gear.

A single firework should be lit at a time by someone who knows what they are doing. If one doesn't go off, don't try to light it again.

It's not funny or safe to point fireworks at any person or animal. Don't take chances aiming at buildings, vehicles or anything flammable.

Keep plenty of water readily at hand, just to be on the safe side.

When You Swim

Want to take the plunge in the pool or at the beach? Make it a great day by playing it safe. If there's a lifeguard, do what they tell you. If there isn't, don't take chances for yourself or others under your care.

Don't swim alone, and don't mix swimming with alcohol. Don't dive into unknown waters. Anyone who isn't a strong swimmer should be in a life jacket approved by the Coast Guard.

When You're in the Sun

With any luck the Fourth will be a hot sunny day -- which poses its own hazards. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen and be respectful of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Drink lots but lean more toward water and less toward caffeine and alcohol.

Remember that the sun can cause more than a burn. Heatstroke can progress rapidly when you're not paying attention.

If the pulse of someone you're with is faster and weaker than normal, if their breathing is quick and shallow, get them out of the heat and apply cool wet cloths to their skin. Call 911.

When You're Driving

You may have places to go and people to see, but keep in mind that so does most of the country and they're all going to be on the road. I know it's a downer, but caution is essential since there are 37 percent more fatalities on the highways on the Fourth than any other day in the entire month, according to federal data on accidents.

You know what you need to do. Stay sober. Wear your seat belt. Make sure your children are in the right safety seats for their size and weight.

Slow down instead of speeding up. Don't use your cell phone, even hands-free, while you're driving to reduce your risk of an accident.

When You're at a Barbecue

Having a barbecue can be a great way to get together for the Fourth of July. Though safety precautions may seem like a drag, they are what makes it possible to come through the festivities unscathed, with good memories and all limbs intact.

Make sure any barbecuing is done outside, away from wooden structures, branches and anything else than can burst into flames. Enclosed spaces are dangerous.

If you're using charcoal, once coals are burning, do not add more starter fluid. Flames can be unpredictable so make sure your utensils have long handles especially for barbecuing.

When You're Making Your Holiday Plans

Does this all sound pretty depressing? Maybe. Or then again, it could strike you as being a collection of reminders that will help to keep you and the ones you love safe. Have a happy Fourth of July.

Sources:

Red Cross Issues Safety Tips For 4th of July Holiday. Redcross.org. Retrieved July 1, 2015.
http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Red-Cross-Issues-Safety-Tips-For-4t...

This Fourth of July Could Be the Deadliest in Years. Goodhousekeeping.com. Retrieved July 1, 2015.
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/travel/news/a33218/fourth-of-july-d...

FIREWORKS. NFPA.org. Retrieved July 1, 2015.
http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/holidays/fireworks

Visit Jody's website at http://www.ncubator.ca and http://ncubator.ca/blogger

Reviewed July 2, 2015
by Michele Blacksberg RN

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