It can be a fun and exciting holiday for folks of all ages, but it can also be one of the most dangerous of the year. July 4th is an outdoor, open flame (grill), body of water (pool/lake), open container (adult beverage), lots of people handling explosives (fireworks) kind of holiday. It has a lot of things going on at the same time that could lead to tragedy. Here are some reminders to help keep focus and to keep everyone safe and joyous this July 4th:

  • From prevention.com, they say to never let children handle fireworks....even sparklers. They burn hot enough to melt some metals.
  • Don't buy fireworks packaged in brown paper.....they are meant to be handled by trained professionals.
  • Stay away from M-class fireworks like the M-80's or M-100's.. They are illegal and are, according to prevention.com, extremely unpredictable.
  • Have a hose or bucket of water nearby. Never assume a firework is a dud until it's wet.
  • Never leave your grill unattended.
  • Make sure there are always eyes on the pool or lake. It doesn't take long for someone to be in distress in the water. Drownings can occur in two inches of water, so alway make sure attention is paid to the water.
  • Find shade. Super-high SPFs do make a difference. SPF 100 is better than the 50. Also, make sure to hydrate.

Finally, the alcohol. With every beverage, attention and awareness decreases. The reminders above are so important to keep people safe and happy during the holiday. They are as good as the condition of the person using them.

Other safety resources:

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