Have a Safe Fourth of July with These Red Cross Tips

 The long Fourth of July holiday weekend is just ahead, and the American Red Cross has steps you can follow to stay safe while enjoying fireworks or taking a trip to the lake or pool.

 

“This weekend is an important time of celebration and remembrance across our nation,” said Louise Welch Williams, Regional Chief Executive Officer for the Palmetto SC Region of the American Red Cross. “While people are enjoying the fun with their communities and their families, they should also follow safety tips regarding fireworks and outings to prevent any injuries or avoidable dangers during the exciting holiday weekend.”

FIREWORKS SAFETY: The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show. Many states outlaw most fireworks. If you are setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:

• Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
• Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

 

GRILLING SAFETY: Every year people are injured while using charcoal or gas grills. Here are several steps to safely cook up treats for the backyard barbecue:

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Never grill indoors – not in the house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
• Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.

SWIM SAFETY: Swimming at the pool or beach is often a great recreational activity enjoyed during the Fourth of July. But it’s important to know how to be safe while you’re in the water. The American Red Cross offers these important swimming safety tips you should be aware of before you head out to the pool or lake:

• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
• Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
• Maintain constant supervision.
• Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and learn-to-swim courses.
• Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.
• Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.
• Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

SUN PROTECTION Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15. Reapply your sunscreen often. Remember to drink plenty of water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that will absorb 100 percent of UV sunlight. And don’t forget your feet! The sand can burn your feet and glass and other sharp objects in the sand can cut them.

During hot weather, watch for signs of heat stroke—hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke:

• Call 9-1-1 and move the person to a cooler place.
• Quickly cool the body by applying cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin (or misting it with water) and fanning the person.
• Watch for signs of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.

LEARN MORE WITH OUR EMERGENCY MOBILE APPS: The American Red Cross First Aid App puts that information at your fingertips, helping you prepare and respond to heat emergencies and other events. The free First Aid App gives you instant access to the information you need to know to handle the most common first aid emergencies. The Red Cross Pet First Aid App has steps pet owners should take to help keep their furry friends safe during hot weather. People can find the apps in their app store by searching for American Red Cross and at redcross.org/apps.

People can learn how to prevent and respond to heat-related and other emergencies by taking a Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED or Advance Child Care Training course. A variety of online and in-class options are available. Course and registration information is available at redcross.org/takeaclass.