Independence Day is a celebration intended to bring the family together and enjoy various holiday activities like parades, picnics, s'more making, and fireworks... all while avoiding things like heat exhaustion, sunburns, and fire dangers! To get the best out of your holiday and summer, here are friendly tips to help you beat the heat and maintain firework safety!
Tips to Beat the Heat
Ah, summertime! A chance to get outside and enjoy the sun. While enjoying any fun in the sun, be sure to remember a few important safety tips recommended by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
* Drink plenty of water!
* Check on friends and neighbors at high risk for heat-related illness
* Find air-conditioned places to cool off (shopping malls and libraries)
* NEVER leave kids or pets in a closed, parked vehicle
* If you go outside, remember:
- A hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
- Lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
- Water
- Limit time outdoors. Take breaks often!
* Know who is most at risk with high temperatures:
- Infants
- Young children
- Older adults
- People with chronic medical conditions
If you are going outside when the temperature is very high, the CDC suggests dressing properly and taking breaks often. Also, be sure you know the signs and symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke.
Heat Exhaustion
- Heavy sweating
- Paleness
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Upset stomach or vomiting
- Fainting
Heat Stroke
- Very high body temperature (above 103F)
- Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach
- Confusion
- Passing out
If you see any of these signs, get medical help immediately.
Firework Safety Tips!
* Leave it to the professionals, find a firework show to attend instead of at-home fireworks.
* Watch fireworks from a safe distance.
* Be careful to keep a safe distance from people, cars, and flammable objects when igniting fireworks.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Never try to pick up or re-ignite a firework.
- Do not ignite a firework while holding in.
* Watch children closely near firework displays.
- Never let young children play or ignite fireworks.
- Use extra caution with children on the use of sparklers to prevent burns!
- Keep them at a safe distance.
* Have ear protection for small children if attending a professional firework show.
* Keep pets in a safe location away from firework displays. Many dogs find themselves lost and scared, and in danger during firework shows.
* Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
* Make sure fireworks are legal in your area prior to use.
* Keep a bucket of water and a garden hose nearby when using fireworks.
* Call 911 immediately for serious injuries and fires.
Our compliance team hopes you all have a wonderful time celebrating this Independence Day!