Celebrate safely this Independence Day

Backyard grilling, fireworks and pool parties are popular summer activities. As we gather for Fourth of July celebrations, remember to take precautions to ensure your special event is safe and accident-free.

Grilling Safety

• Place all grills well away from the home and deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Always keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• Don’t forget to turn off the valve on a gas or propane grill when you are finished.

Fireworks Safety
Unfortunately, many people do not realize just how dangerous fireworks and sparklers can be,  which is a primary reason that injuries occur. Fireworks can not only injure the users, but can also affect bystanders. 

Bottle rockets and firecrackers can fly in any direction and may explode on or near someone instead of up in the air. Sparklers are also a huge risk, as they burn at very high temperatures and are often given to children too young to use them safely. All fireworks pose potential risks of burn, blindness and other injury.
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When using fireworks, always plan carefully in advance for who will ignite them and what safety precautions you will have in place. Here are some suggestions to ensure safety and avoid accidents:

• Use fireworks and sparklers outdoors only.
• Always have a hose or water bucket handy.
• Only use fireworks as intended. Do not alter or combine them, and do not use homemade fireworks.
• Keep spectators a safe distance away.
• Never give sparklers to young children.
• Wear safety goggles when handling or shooting off fireworks.
• Do not shoot fireworks off if under the influence of alcohol.
• Show children how to properly hold sparklers, how to stay far enough away from other children and what not to do (throw, run or fight with sparkler in hand)—but supervise closely, regardless.
• Point fireworks away from people, homes, trees, etc.
• Never try to relight a dud (a firework that didn’t properly ignite).
• Soak all firework debris in water before throwing it away.
• Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them from metal or glass containers.

​Pool Safety

• Assign at least one adult to the exclusive task of watching young swimmers, and make sure they refrain from drinking alcohol when supervising.
• Have life-saving equipment on hand such as a safety ring life preserver and a long reaching pole.

Road Trips
If you’re hitting the road for the holiday, you’re not alone. The holiday weekend is one of the busiest times of the year on the roads. According to AAA, more than 47 million people are projected to travel July 1 through 5. About 90% of those travelers will be going by automobile. Arrive safely with the following tips:

• Before hitting the road, make sure that your vehicle is road-trip ready with a trip to a trusted mechanic and completing any scheduled maintenance.
• Check your tire pressure not just on your four road tires, but also on your spare before leaving home. Also be sure that you have all the tools necessary for changing a flat tire.
• Close and lock all of your doors and windows.
• Park in well-lit areas and in garages when possible.
• Never leave valuables such as electronics in your vehicle, especially not in plain sight.