July is here, which means it’s time to start grilling up some barbeque, pulling out your swimsuits and getting some exercise at your community pool. While you’re having fun in the sun during your Fourth of July festivities, remember to be cautious about your safety throughout the holiday.
- Always read and follow the label. It is important that you read every single detail on the firework directions and warnings.
- Always have water handy. Just in case a fire was to happen make sure you have a garden hose or a bucket of water handy to extinguish a flame. It’s also recommended to wear safety goggles at all times when attempting to set off fireworks.
- Only light fireworks on smooth, flat surface. Nothing around the fireworks should be flammable like dry leaves and should not be facing the house.
- Only one is enough. Light only one firework at a time.
- Never approach a ‘dud’ or failed firework without precaution. Douse a failed firework with water before approaching it.
- Dispose of fireworks properly. First soak them in water and dispose of them in a trash can.
- Always wear eye protection. Fireworks are known to more damage on the eyes and can cause serious injury. So before you light up a firework make sure you have protective goggles on.
- Learn CPR. It is important that all people of all ages know how to perform CPR. Just remember to: 1. call 911, 2. do 30 compressions on the chest and, 3. give two breathes. Knowing those three steps can save someone’s life.
- Never swim alone. Make sure that you always have someone with you while you swim just in case something were to happen.
- Never dive, unless you know how deep the water is. Diving into a shallow pool can cause major head injuries. So instead jump in legs first.
- Know your limits. Do not go into areas of water that you cannot handle.
- Wear a life preserver when boating. While boating you never know what will happen, so be prepared ahead of time by wearing a life preserver even when you know how to swim.
Bug Spray Safety
- Follow the label. Every bug spray is different so make sure you read the label before applying to your skin.
- Apply repellent sparingly. Spray only on exposed skin or clothing. Keep out of eyes. The hours around dusk are when mosquitos are most active.
- Avoid high-concentration products on skin. Unless you are under a high risk for disease use a low concentration. For pregnant women and small children use under 30% DEET concentration, the active ingredient in bug repellant. Children two months to two years old should have insect repellant applied to their skin more than once in 24 hours. If you do not want to apply the spray to your skin, it can be applied to clothing around the pant cuff and neck line areas, and on your socks.
- Do not inhale. After applying got not breathe in or swallow the repellant. It can cause bug spray poisoning.
- Thoroughly wash. Wash repellent off the skin after being bitten by an insect is gone.
Independence Day is always a great time to spend time with friends and family, but sometimes people can overlook safety. You can still have fun and be safe at the same time. Do not overlook the small things and double check your surroundings before you light up the first firework of the night.
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