Fireworks
When you think of 4th of July you picture parties, fireworks, swimming, grilling, boating and picnics but do you think about fireworks safety? Did you know that sparklers can reach temperatures above 1000 F? Fireworks safety is very important, but always overlooked. Fireworks can result in severe burns, scars and even death. Let’s have fun this 4th of July and have dedicated responsible adults oversee the fireworks!
Below are a few safety tips for handling fireworks or sparklers.
- Do not attempt to make your own fireworks.
- Make sure you always have a working fire extinguisher close by (or several).
- Fill up a bucket of water and have a water hose nearby to help put out any fires.
- When lighting sparklers, do not point them towards others or yourself.
- Do not let young children light fireworks or sparklers.
- You should only light fireworks on the ground or as instructed to do on the package.
- Only light fireworks in fire resistant and dry areas.
- DO NOT try to light multiple fireworks at the same time.
- Always keep an eye on young children.
According to the National Fire Protection Association Every July 4th, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks – devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death. In 2017, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 12,900 people for fireworks-related injuries; 54% of those injuries were to the extremities and 36% were to the head. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for more than one-third (36%) of the estimated 2017 injuries.
Driving
How many of you enjoy the drive home after your event, looking out the window with your family and looking up into the nights’ sky and seeing those big beautiful fireworks? You must drive slowly through neighborhoods and be a very defensive driver when driving. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says the Fourth of July is the deadliest day of the year when it comes to vehicle crashes! FireworksSafetyTips
Here are a few tips to help you drive safely.
- Do not ride your bicycle, scooter or motorcycle – use a car instead.
- If you can’t stay where you are you should try to drive home early, there are usually a lot of impaired drivers on the road.
- Do not text or use your cell phone while driving.
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Keep an eye out for police checkpoints – remember these checkpoints are for your safety.
- Make sure you have a designated driver.
- DO NOT DRINK & DRIVE!
Grilling
Who Loves summer grilling? Well here in Florida we love grilling all year long, but July is one of the peak months for grilling fires. Let’s enjoy grilling this holiday while keeping everyone safe.
Tips for grilling safely
- Before you start grilling, check for holes, leaks and cracks in the hose.
- DO NOT grill inside, in a garage or an enclosed area.
- Make sure your grill is on a stable surface.
- Wear the right clothing if your grilling.
- Clean your grill and remove grease and build-up before use.
- If your flame goes out, make sure you turn off the gas and wait a few minutes before re-lighting it.
- Keep children and pets away from the grill.
- Never leave the lit grill unattended.
- Do not try to move or relocate a hot or lit grill.
- Place the grill at least two feet away from branches, decks and any equipment that can catch on fire.
- Always have a working fire extinguisher nearby.
- NEVER use water to put out a grease fire.
Water & Pool Safety
July is the HOTTEST month of the year! A few times a week we are either in the pool or at the beach. We always turn to water activities to beat the heat. Below are four water safety rules from Goldfish Swim School right here in Broward!
Four water safety rules
- Supervision – It takes just a few minutes for a child to drown, you should always designate a “water watcher” without any distractions.
- Barriers – Always make sure a child cannot enter the pool area without adult supervision.
- Swimming Lessons – Your child should know the basic water safety skills and learn to swim to help prevent drowning.
- Emergency Preparedness – As a parent, it is important to learn CPR. When a child stops breathing there is a small window of time in which resuscitation can occur. Always have a phone nearby to immediately contact 911.
