4th of July Summer Safety Tips

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

The 4th of July is one of the best times of the year in Missouri. Many people get together to celebrate freedom, friends, and food. Unfortunately, the holiday can also be dangerous due to the different risks that are present. When trying to stay safe during the holiday, there are a few important safety tips to follow to protect yourself from harm.

Handle Fireworks with Caution

To prevent injuries and fires that are caused by fireworks in the community, certain precautions should be taken. Never allow small children to get near fireworks or handle them. Adults should be the only ones lighting off the fireworks and should do so on the ground at a safe distance from trees or other objects. Keep a fire extinguisher close by and avoid lighting more than one firework at the same time. 

Grill Safely

Grilling can also cause fires when you’re spending time flipping hamburgers and hot dogs outdoors. Look for leaks, holes, and cracks in the grill before you start using it on the 4th of July. Avoid grilling indoors or in an enclosed area. This can cause a fire to start and will lead you to hire professionals such as SERVPRO of Raytown/East Kansas City to repair the damage. The grill should also be placed at least two feet away from the deck, branches, or the siding of the house. 

Use a Pool Gate

Many people spend time in the pool cooling off from the warm temperatures in Missouri during the summer season. Keep it a safe activity by using a pool gate that will prevent children from getting into the water when they’re not supervised. Wireless outdoor sensors can also be installed to inform you if a child is near the pool. A first aid kit should also be on hand to tend to any injuries that can occur in the water. Kids should also use life jackets and floatation devices while swimming. 

Practice Food Safety

Wash your hands and clean the surfaces where you plan to prep food for the holiday. All meat should be cooked with a thermometer used to ensure that it reaches the right temperature to avoid food-borne illness. All leftovers should be refrigerated after two hours and not left outside. Toss out anything that sits outside for too long. 

When trying to have a safe and memorable 4th of July, there are several safety practices to follow. With the right caution used, you can protect your family from harm and enjoy the day.