Looking forward to a fabulous three-day weekend? So are we! Here are some tips to help you and your family stay safe while you celebrate the red white and blue this Fourth of July.
Fireworks
Your best – and safest – bet is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Not only do you save money on fireworks, but you save time on clean up AND don’t risk setting your lawn on fire. Once you show up, pick a spot at least 500 feet away from the blast-off zone. If you’re at a party where amateurs are setting off fireworks, keep your kids away and encourage whoever is doing the lighting to wear eye protection. Visit the American Red Cross for more firework safety tips.
Grilling
Ready to get your char dog on? Remember to never leave a grill unattended, keep it outside where there’s plenty of ventilation (and no tree branches nearby that could catch fire), keep kids and pets away. For good measure, be sure to use long-handled tools, and never add charcoal starter fluid once the coals have been ignited.
If you’re grilling meat, marinate it first with olive oil and rosemary to slow production of carcinogenic compounds called heterocyclic amines (HCAs), which have been shown to have cancer causing properties.
Sun
Sunblock, sunblock, sunblock. We can’t say it enough. You need a shot glass’ worth of sunblock to adequate cover your entire body, and it should be reapplied frequently throughout the day. Limit your exposure to direct sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when rays are strongest, and drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Swimming
We know you know this, but it bears repeating: Never leave children unattended in the water – even a wading pool. Keep kids away from pool drains, pipes and other openings, and always have a flotation device on hand that can be easily thrown, just in case. Click here for more save swimming tips.
Driving
Road tripping to your friend’s cabin? Don’t be guilty of DUI or DWT (Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Texting). Just don’t drink and drive. Enough said.
Pets
Last but not least, don’t forget about your favorite pooch this Fourth of July. Keep your pup safe by Keep citronella candles away from him and don’t feed him people food – no matter how badly he’s eying your hot dog. For more tips to keep Fido safe, go here or here.