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Red Cross Issues Safety Tips For 4th of
July Holiday
Safely enjoy the
beach, the fireworks and the backyard barbecue!
Darke County, OH — It’s time for Fourth of July celebrations –
fireworks, a backyard barbecue, maybe a trip to the beach. Whatever
people have planned, the American Red Cross wants them to enjoy their
holiday and has steps they can follow to be safe.
“We want everyone to have a great holiday, and a safe one,” said Lynne
Gump, Executive Director of the Darke County Chapter American Red
Cross, “Whether the weekend will involve fireworks, grilling or going
to the seashore, we have safety tips everyone can follow.”
FIREWORKS SAFETY
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show
put on by professionals. Check out the local listings, there are lots
of local displays in Darke County. Stay at least 500 feet away from the
show. According to Ohio State ordinances and laws, the only allowable
fireworks, besides professional displays, are what are commonly
referred to as snakes, smoke bombs and party poppers. If
someone is setting fireworks off at home, they should follow these
safety steps:
• Never give fireworks to small children, and always
follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution;
discard used sparklers in a bucket of water.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always
wears eye protection.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from
children and pets.
• Never throw or point a firework toward people,
animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
• Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs
are using fireworks.
GRILLING SAFETY
Every year people in this country are injured while using backyard
charcoal or gas grills. Follow these steps to safely cook up treats for
the backyard barbecue:
• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Never grill indoors – not in your house, camper,
tent, or any enclosed area.
• Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away
from the grill.
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the
house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
• Use the long-handled tools especially made for
cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have
already been ignited.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when
using grills.
BEACH SAFETY
If you are going to be vacationing at the beach this fourth and your
visit to the shore includes swimming in the ocean, you should learn how
to swim in the surf and only swim at a lifeguarded beach, within the
designated swimming area. Obey all instructions and orders from
lifeguards. Other safety tips include:
• Keep alert for local weather conditions. Check to
see if any warning signs or flags are posted.
• Swim sober and always swim with a buddy.
• Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear
a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Protect the neck – don’t dive headfirst. Walk
carefully into open waters.
• Keep a close eye and constant attention on children
and adults while at the beach. Wave action can cause someone to lose
their footing, even in shallow water.
• Watch out for aquatic life. Water plants and
animals may be dangerous. Avoid patches of plants and leave animals
alone.
Additional water safety tips are available at
redcross.org/watersafetytips
SUN PROTECTION
Limit exposure to direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wear
a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15.
Reapply sunscreen often. Remember to drink plenty of water regularly,
even if not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them.
Protect the eyes by wearing sunglasses that will absorb 100 percent of
UV sunlight. Protect the feet - the sand can burn them and glass and
other sharp objects can cut them.
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