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How to Have a Safe 4th of July & Summer
As we get ready to celebrate Independence Day, many of us plan to
attend fireworks displays, a backyard picnic, or perhaps enjoy fun in
the water at a waterpark, beach or pool. The American Red Cross wants
you to enjoy a fun-packed, safe holiday and offers these tips you can
follow over the upcoming holiday:
Fireworks Safety
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public firework show
put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show.
Many states outlaw most fireworks. Leave any area immediately where
untrained amateurs are using fireworks. If you are setting fireworks
off at home, follow these safety steps:
1. Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a
firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable
materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
2. Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
3. Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
4. Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
Water Safety
Children and adults should learn to swim so they at least achieve the
skills of water competency: be able to enter the water, get a breath,
stay afloat, change position, swim a distance and then get out of the
water safely. Watch the weather and get out of the water at the first
sign of lightning or the rumble of thunder. Stay indoors and away from
water for 30 minutes after the last lightning flashes or thunder roars.
Plan ahead for aquatic activities:
1. Provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising in or near water
2. Fence pools and spas with adequate barriers, including four-sided fencing
3. Learn swimming and water survival skills
4. Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets;
5. Always swim in a lifeguarded area.
Water Park Safety
1. Make sure lifeguards are on duty before you go in the water and follow all their instructions.
2. Wear protective clothing, including a hat and some kind of cover-up
for when you’ve had enough sun. Use sunscreen before leaving home and
reapply during the day.
3. Parents – keep an eye on the kids. If they can’t swim or are less
than four feet tall, have them wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life
jacket.
4. Signal a lifeguard if you see someone is in trouble. Yell if you
need to grab attention, but don’t go in after the person yourself.
5. Set up a meeting place in case someone gets separated from your group. Use the buddy system to make sure no child is alone.
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