With summer in full swing, now’s a good time to keep in mind common sense safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe.
It’s that time of year when Americans everywhere will be celebrating the Fourth of July holiday with family, friends and fireworks. A recent report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) highlights the hazards posed by consumer use of fireworks. CPSC is raising awareness and sharing safety tips to prevent these types of injuries and deaths over the holiday.
Firework Safety 101
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
- Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
- After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.
More Summer Safety Tips:
The Basics
- Call 911 in an emergency.
- Supervise, supervise, supervise.
- Learn basic first aid.
- Learn/review CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
- Keep your phone and a well-stocked first-aid kit readily available.
- Carry epinephrine if someone has a prescription for severe allergic reactions.
- Do not move a person who has a head, neck or back injury. Call 911.
- Puncture wounds can cause tetanus. Seek medical attention as soon as possible even if the wound does not bleed.
Car Safety
- Temperatures inside a car, even on cloudy days, or with windows cracked, can reach lethal levels in minutes.
- NEVER leave children, a vulnerable adult or pet unattended in a vehicle.
- Attach a “Bring the baby” reminder to your door handle or dashboard.
- Lock your car and put the key out of reach to keep children from getting into the car on their own.
- The correct and consistent use of car seats and seat belts save lives. Improper use is dangerous. Visit www.pakidstravelsafe.org for more information.
- Never use a car seat as a sleep space for infants outside the car. Infants under one year of age should be placed flat on their backs to sleep.
- Use the appropriate car seat for your child and install it properly. Your local police department can provide assistance.
- Never use a used car seat. Free, new car seats are available for those who need them.
- Wear your seatbelt and insist others do, too.
- Never allow anyone to ride in the bed of a truck or anywhere other than securely belted in the vehicle.
Safe in the Sun
Dangers of being outside mid-day during high temperatures include heat exhaustion, heat stroke and sunburn.
- Stay in the shade between noon and 4:00 pm.
- Make sure everyone, especially children and vulnerable adults, drinks plenty of liquids.
- Wear a hat, UV-blocking sunglasses and garments, and apply sunscreen to exposed skin.
Bug Bites and Stings
Insect bites and stings can cause allergic reactions and disease.
- Keep children away from plants that attract bees or other stinging insects.
- Cover open beverage cans and bottles to keep stinging insects from getting in.
- Keep areas where water lingers empty so mosquitoes cannot breed.
- Wear long pants and long sleeves and apply mosquito repellent containing DEET to exposed skin when going outdoors.
- Be aware of nests of stinging insects around your home. They are removed with less risk after dark. Contact a local apiary group to move honeybees to safety.
- Keep out of tall grass where ticks might live. When you get home, inspect the entire body of anyone who was outdoors for ticks. Research the proper way to remove a tick before doing so.
More summer safety resources: