It’s the Fourth of July weekend, and we’re ready to celebrate!

Nothing kills the mood faster than an accident or injury at a holiday gathering. That’s why we’re reviewing these important outdoor safety tips, so nothing interferes with your fun-filled Independence Day!

Grilling safety

Whether you have ribs, kabobs, or veggies on the menu, grilling is always a crowd favorite. To avoid any grill-related mishaps, be sure to follow the following recommendations.

1. Regularly clean your grill and check for any cracks, holes, and leaks before using.
2. Keep the grill at least 10 feet from your house or anything that could catch fire.
3. Don’t put any decorations on or too close to the grill.
4. Never leave a grill unattended.
5. Always keep a spray bottle handy in case the flames flare-up.

Along with a spray bottle, the cook should always know where the fire extinguisher is kept and how to use it.

When using a fire extinguisher, remember to PASS:

• Pull the pin.
• Aim low at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever slowly.
• Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Firework safety

And speaking of fire, let’s talk about everyone’s favorite Fourth of July pastime—fireworks! If you decide to use legal fireworks yourself, we have some tips on how to do it safely.

First things first, never use fireworks if you’re impaired in any way.

Also, never:

• Light them indoors.
• Hold them once lighted.
• Ignite devices in containers.
• Try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.

And although sparklers seem to be harmless, they actually burn at about 2,000 degrees. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers account for over 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries. You can help lessen the risk of injuries by assisting children while they use sparklers or giving them alternatives like confetti poppers or glow sticks.

Once the festivities are over, soak both used and unused fireworks in a bucket of water for a few hours before throwing them away.

If anyone gets burned by a grill, fireworks, or otherwise, use first aid to mitigate the sting with ice, aloe vera, antibiotic ointment, and bandages. If the burn is too severe for at-home care, come see us!

Water Safety

On a more serious note, as it gets hotter and we spend more time in the water, it’s crucial to keep water safety at the forefront of your mind—especially if you have kids. Even if your child is a strong swimmer, accidents can happen.

Sadly, drowning is the leading cause of death in young children ages one to four years old, and 2/3 fatal drownings happen May to August. That’s why it’s absolutely imperative to actively watch children while they bathe, swim, or play in the water.

The Department of Public Health encourages parents to follow the SILENT guidelines, which includes:

• Swimming pools should have fences, drains, and alarms that meet regulation.
• Install alarms in houses with swimming pools in the backyard.
• Layers of protection include adult supervisors, floats, pool covers, etc.
• Eye—keep an eye on kids near or in the water at all times.
• Never leave a child alone near water.
• Touch—an adult or lifeguard should be close enough to reach a child if needed.

Other important water safety tips include: 

1. Teach kids to swim at a young age and be hands-on as they learn.
2. Keep children secluded to the shallow end.
3. Show young children that floaties are just as essential for a pool day as a swimsuit.
4. Invest in a proper-fitting lifejacket if your child is going on a boat or in a large body of water.
5. Never leave small children unsupervised in the bathtub.

Children should be evaluated in the ER if they show any of the following symptoms after going underwater; coughing, congestion, fatigue, drowsiness, abnormal behavior, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

Happy Independence Day

We hope everyone has a fun and safe Fourth of July Weekend! As always, if you or a loved one experiences any accidents or injuries along the way, we’re here to help. Our incredible staff will have you fixed up and back to the celebrations as quickly as possible. Visit us anytime, open 24/7, 365 days, including holidays!