7 Tips for a Safe Fourth of July

Don’t let food poisoning, near drownings, or fireworks-related injuries spoil your family’s Fourth of July. Here are some tips to keep the day safe and enjoyable for all.

Play safe around water

Never swim alone and make sure that any children are properly supervised at all time. Don’t just watch your kids, pay attention to all the children around you. Statistics show that young children who drown in pools have been out of sight for less than five minutes.

Keep the kids away from the fireworks

Find out what (if any) fireworks are legal in your community. Keep kids and spectators away from the fireworks at all times. Have a fire extinguisher readily available, and keep water buckets and a hose nearby. Your safest bet is to attend a professional fireworks display that is organized by your city or community.

Follow all boating laws in your area

Check for any new boating laws before you take to the water. Follow best safety practices, and don’t drink while driving your boat! Also, be sure to have an adequate number of life preservers on hand in case of an accident.

Cover food and beverages outdoors

Bees, wasps, and flies like picnics just as much as you do, so be sure to keep your food covered at all times. If someone in your group is allergic to insect stings, you should have an emergency anaphylaxis kit on hand. Avoid fragranced body products, bright colors, and sugary drinks to prevent bee stings.

Apply (and re-apply) sunscreen

Unfortunately, sunburns are common during the summer and can be very painful. The best thing is prevention. So slather on the sunscreen! Apply it both before and during anytime you spend outdoors. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen that has UVA and UVB protection. Apply every two hours or sooner, if needed. Avoid direct sunlight when the sun is hottest, between 10am and 4pm. If your child is younger than 6 months of age, they should not be exposed to direct sunlight at all.

Drink plenty of fluids

Odds are, it will be hot where ever you are, so stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Keep your kids hydrated too. The risk of heat illness increased when participating in strenuous activities or sports. Monitor your kids for flushed, sweaty faces, and keep plenty of bottled water on hand. Don’t wait for them to drag inside complaining of thirst. Make them take frequent water breaks in a cool, shady area.

Don’t leave food sitting out all day

Few things will spoil your family celebration faster than foodborne illness. Never leave food out longer than one hour when the temperature is 90 F or higher and not more than two hours at any other time. Foods that need to be refrigerated should placed in a cooler with plenty of ice. Remember, any food can become contaminated — not just foods with mayonnaise or egg dishes. And don’t forget to wash your hands!

7 Tips for a Safe Fourth of July