NBSB Gives Tips for a safe Independence Day Celebration
Independence Day celebrations are about a dime a dozen in the United States. Everyone knows what to expect when the fourth of July is just around the corner. Everything from fireworks to cookouts and everything red, white, and blue. But for the first time, maybe ever, the perils of 2020 kept us from celebrating our freedom, and in some respects, many of us did not feel free at all. As Americans we have the luxury of freedom and the ability to basically do what we want, but when the pandemic came tearing through the globe all our normal summer events and celebrations came to a screeching halt.
So finally, months later, it seems we have come out on the other side, and finally able to get back to everything we have been missing so badly. It’s important to remember as we bust through those, post pandemic.
Firework safety:
Of course, the safest way to enjoy fireworks is at a public event. However, its no secret that people shoot if fireworks through the whole month of July, especially the 4th. If you choose to set off fireworks at your home keep these simple safety measures in mind:
- Before the festivities begin, make sure you are storing fireworks in a cool, safe place, away from animals and children. Fireworks can be dangerous on their own, especially if they are stores somewhere, hot, or wet like in your yard or a hot car.
- Make sure while lighting fireworks, you wear protective equipment like safety goggles.
- Remember, fireworks are well, fire. So never hand those fireworks to children or set them off close to residential areas, people, animals, or structures, when is doubt, follow the directions printed on the package.
- Keep a supply of water close by in the event of a firework getting out of control.
- Some fireworks don’t go off when you first light them, these are call “a dud”. NEVER attempt to pickup and relight the dud.
Food safety:
The ever popular fourth of July celebration often includes a cookout. Nothing better than celebrating with friends and family with some great food. Do not forget that food is not meant to sit in the beating sun all day long. Most food is meant to be refrigerated and eaten soon after its escape from the fridge. The longer food is out of refrigeration, especially in warmer temperature is an invitation to all those yucky bacteria that makes you sick., Use these tips to make sure your event stays enjoyable and not into a bacteria frenzy. Wash your hands before preparing food. Do not leave food sitting in the hot sun, always use ice or cold packs to keep food at a safe temperature.
Water safety:
Its important to follow these important tips for pool and beach side safety this summer!
Pool Safety:
Children and adults should learn to swim so they at least have basic swimming abilities 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 to be by the pool:
- Elect someone as a lifeguard to make sure someone always has eyes on the people in the pool.
- Fence pools and spas with suitable barriers, including four-sided fencing
- Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
- Always swim in a lifeguarded area.
Beach Safety
Remember that swimming in the ocean, a lake or river, is different than swimming in a pool. Be sure you have the skills for these environments.
- Swim only at a beach with a lifeguard, within the designated swimming area. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards and ask them about local conditions.
- Make sure you swim sober and that you always swim with a buddy. Know your limitations and make sure you have enough energy to swim back to shore.
- Protect your neck – don’t dive headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters. Watch out for and avoid aquatic life.
- If you are caught in a rip current, try not to panic. Signal to those on shore that you need assistance. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, swim toward shore. If you can’t swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.
