July 4th Safety
By: Jennifer Cassetta
There’s nothing like a great barbeque on July 4th followed by a fireworks show. It’s a great day to honor our country surrounded with friends and family.
Like any celebration, it’s easy to get caught up in all the fun. The last thing you would expect is for something to go wrong while you’re celebrating. At the risk of sounding paranoid, this is exactly when we should do our best to keep summer holiday safety a top priority.
According to the National Safety Council, July 4th is our country’s most dangerous holiday with the most deaths occurring on and around this date.
Here are a few 4th of July safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe while still enjoying the holiday:
Stay hydrated
Most of the country will experience hot temperatures over the holiday weekend and the effects of dehydration can be very serious. Severe dehydration can lead to headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, sunburn or even heatstroke if in the sun for too long.
Eat high water content foods like watermelon and raw veggies to help you stay hydrated. Meat, potatoes and bread have very little water content to them. If those foods are the bulk of your July 4th diet then make sure you’re drinking plenty of water as well to ensure Independence Day safety.
Alcohol and caffeinated drinks, like soda, are also diuretics and strip water from the body. If you choose to indulge, be sure to drink at least one glass of water for every alcoholic or soft drink. You’ll be glad you did when you wake up on the 5th of July sans hangover.
Be a safe spectator
Setting off fireworks can be extremely dangerous. Leave the display up to the experts. Try to attend your local fireworks display at an organized event in your community rather than making your own backyard show. If you do find yourself at a backyard party where fireworks are being set off, keep yourself and your kids out of range if the worst possible scenario were to happen.
Be on crowd alert
If you are heading to a parade or fireworks display with a group of people, make sure to check out the area for any suspicious activity or people. You can be calm and have fun while still keeping alert.
Make sure you know where the exits are if you are in an enclosed space and always have a way out mapped out in your head if there were any kind of disruption. Remember, you don’t always have to follow the crowd, especially in mass hysteria.
Light up your kids
Keeping your kids close to you when in a crowd, at a parade or any public gathering is ideal, but not always realistic. Kids will be kids and will run off to greet friends, pet animals or play with bright shiny objects. It can be scary when they are out of your sight for too long. That’s why these Shoe Safety Lights by Mace Brand are ideal when you’re heading out after dark. These lights clip right onto the back of their heels and light them up so they will be visible to you from far away.
Use a rideshare app
It goes without saying to not drink and drive. But, sadly, almost half of the deaths that occur on this holiday are alcohol-related. Instead of driving, use a rideshare app like Uber, Lyft or a good old-fashioned taxi to guarantee your Independence Day safety. The extra $10-$20 is way cheaper than a DUI, DWI, or even worse, getting in an accident with innocent people.
Have a fun and safe 4th of July!
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