This Fourth of July weekend, many people will be traveling, firing up the backyard grill, swimming and enjoying fireworks. The American Red Cross and N.C. Forest Service offer these tips so everyone can enjoy the holiday weekend safely.
The best way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals, the Red Cross and forest service agree.
“Careless use of Class C fireworks — such as sparklers, fountains, glow worms, smoke devices and trick noisemakers — causes many wildfires in the summer,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said. “And we all know that wildfires endanger peoples’ lives, destroy timber and property, and damage the environment.”
For those who use fireworks:
■ Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the package.
■ Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
■ Make sure the person lighting fireworks wears eye protection.
■ Light only one firework at a time, and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
■ Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
■ Do not use fireworks near woods or any combustible material.
■ Use fireworks only with adult supervision.
■ Follow the fireworks’ instructions.
■ Do not use fireworks under the influence of alcohol.
■ Always use fireworks in a large, open, preferably paved area or near a body of water.
■ Have a rake or shovel as well as a bucket or two of water on hand.
■ Monitor the area for several hours after use.
■ Ground spinners, firecrackers, round spinners, Roman candles, bottle rockets and mortars are illegal in North Carolina.
CAMPFIRES AND GRILLS
■ Campfires and grills should never be left unattended.
■ Never grill indoors — not in the house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
■ Keep everyone, including pets, away from grills.
■ Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
■ Use long-handled tools specially made for grilling.
■ Never start fires with gasoline.
■ Never dispose of ashes with a paper bag or other flammable container. Instead, place them in an outside metal container or bury them in mineral soil. If you live in an area with organic soils, keep in mind that peat can catch fire. Double-check ashes and coals before throwing them away to make sure they won’t start a fire.
■ Never store ashes in a garage, on a deck or in a wooded area.
■ Buckle seat belts, and observe speed limits.
■ Do not drink and drive.
■ Pay full attention to the road — don’t use cellphones.
■ Use caution in work zones.
■ Clean the vehicle’s lights and windows to help the driver see, especially at night. Turn the headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.
The Red Cross has launched an anti-drowning campaign this summer that promotes swimming lessons and safety. Here are 10 ways people can stay safe while enjoying the water.
■ Learn to swim, and swim only in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
■ Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
■ Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
■ Provide close and constant attention to children and inexperienced swimmers you are supervising in or near the water. Avoid distractions while supervising.
■ Limit the amount of direct sunlight received between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15. Reapply often.
■ Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water regularly, even if not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine.
■ For a backyard pool, have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cellphone, life jackets and a first-aid kit.
■ Secure the backyard pool with appropriate barriers, including fencing.
■ Know how and when to call 911 or the local emergency number.
■ Never leave a young child unattended near water, and do not trust one child’s life to another child. Teach children always to ask permission to go near water. If a child is missing, check the water first.
The Red Cross offers free first-aid and swimming apps. They’re available for smartphones and tablets, and can be downloaded from the Apple or Google Play for Android app stores.
The first-aid app puts expert advice for everyday emergencies at your fingertips.
The swim app offers water safety and drowning prevention information for a variety of aquatic environments. Children can have fun learning water safety tips with child-friendly videos and quizzes.
The Red Cross and National Swimming Pool Foundation also have developed an online safety course for pool and hot tub owners. HomePoolEssentials.org helps people understand the risks of pool ownership, how to maintain a safer and cleaner pool, what safety equipment is appropriate, how to prevent pool and hot tub entrapment hazards, and how to respond to an emergency.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, visit redcross.org, www.ncfirewise.org or http://ncforestservice.gov.