4th of July Safety Tips
Summer is finally here and the 4th of July is just around the corner. The 4th is the quintessential American summer holiday and a great time to get together with family and friends to celebrate our country’s heritage. It can also be a time when taking a few extra precautionary steps will save you from the misfortunes of a misfired firework or egg salad that’s sat in the sun for too long. The following are a few tips in order to stay healthy and happy this 4th of July.
Firework Safety
First and foremost, prior to any discussions of which types of fireworks to have at your cookout, make sure that you are following local laws and guidelines. Second, make sure that an adult is always supervising and handling fireworks. While some smaller fireworks may seem harmless, they can in fact cause severe burns and ruin what could potentially be a great summer evening. Make sure that all fireworks are completely extinguished before discarding and have water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.
Food Safety
There will be plenty of hotdogs and assorted grilled food being passed around on the 4th of July. Make sure that food is kept refrigerated if necessary and that meats and foods containing dairy or eggs don’t reach unsafe temperatures. Food that has been in the sun for too long and has potentially reached an unsafe temperature should be discarded immediately.
Safety in Numbers
If you’re one of the millions of Americans heading out to a fireworks display this 4th of July, try and go in a manageable sized group. Not only does this make the whole evening more fun, but it also provides a sense of safety and security. Pack blankets, lawn chairs, snacks, and some games to keep you entertained until the big show and you’ll be set for a great evening of breath taking fireworks.
Plan in Advance
Make sure that whatever plans you end up making on America’s favorite holiday that you do so well in advance. There’s nothing worse than being stuck in traffic the morning of the 4th because you forgot that there would be a parade going through town. To avoid being stuck patriotic floats that are waving American flags make sure that you check your town or city’s official website in order to glean as much information, including the parade route, as you can. A little planning can go a long way, especially when it comes to traffic.
Those are just a few tips to stay safe this 4th of July, if you have any tips of your own, be sure to sound off in the comments.