4th of July safety Reminders

Many communities are embracing July 3rd as a kick off day to a long holiday weekend of fireworks, parades, food and fun.

​Whether the festivities are just for a day or your red, white and blue celebration is lasting the rest of the week, make sure you have cross-checked our 4th of July safety reminders! :) 

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• Friendly Foods - Food allergies are serious business. In the United States alone over 15 million people suffer from food allergies, and once every three minutes someone is admitted to the Emergency Room for an allergic reaction. Being aware is key. Read Labels. Make sure to ask those attending your festivities if they have any food sensitivities or dietary restrictions . Encourage guests to label their dish to pass with an ingredient list. Ask your guests with food sensitivities their safety foods to make purchasing items easier. Also, encourage them to bring food items that are allergen-free as their dish to pass. Lastly, designating an allergen-free food table can be a great & simple solution.
• Remember the Sunscreen - Children can burn in less than 15 -30 mins. Don’t wait to apply sunscreen. Before heading out make sure it’s on. Whether you choose 30 SPF OR 100 SPF the bottom line is reapplying (every 2 hours) and if swimming or sweating every (45 mins).
• Don’t Drink & Drive - According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports the Fourth of July has the highest rate of road fatalities.
• Practice Firework Safety - Though fireworks are beautiful to watch and can be a ton of fun they can be very dangerous. Fireworks account for more than 50,000 fires per year. Nearly two-thirds of the 11,000 to 13,000 firework related injuries reported each year happen around the Fourth of July Holiday.
• Water Activity Safety - Keep a close eye on the kids. Make sure whether boating or swimming everyone has proper flotation devices. Apply sunscreen frequently. Stay hydrated. Do not swim under the influence.
• Don’t be Bugged - Our insect friends can really cramp the fun. Remember the insect repellent and reapply about every 6 hours if needed. You can even try an eco-friendly solution like mint and other plants that repel bugs.
• First Aid Kit - A must have to travel with as well have at any of your festivities and events. Better to be safe and have items needed at your fingertips.
• Grilling Safety - According to the National Fire Protection Association, each year an average of 9,600 house fires are caused by grilling. Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from any structures - house, garage, shed etc. Avoid having your grill under patio covering , trees/leaves etc. Don’t leave grill unattended. Keep pets and children away from grill. Wear proper clothing. Keep your grill clean. Have a fire extinguisher close by.
• Sound Sensitive - Fireworks are beautiful but loud and can stir on a lot of stress and anxiety for those with sound sensitivity issues. Helpful Tips- talk about the upcoming festivities and fill them in on the plan. Lay it out step by step visually or verbally. Bring headphones, earplugs or cotton to decrease the noise level during the fireworks. If possible watch them from a home base. That way you can go inside if it gets to be overwhelming.
• Remember Your Pets - Check out the resource link below for a few ways to also keep your furry family safe during the 4th of July festivities!

Additional resources:

https://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/page/prevent-allergic-reactions-in-your-home.aspx

https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/fireworks

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Grilling

https://www.growinghandsonkids.com/6-tips-for-dealing-with-sensitive-kids-and-fireworks.html

​https://www.wowt.com/content/news/Tips-to-get-your-pet-through-the-Fourth-of-July-noise-512068582.html

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