Red Cross Offers Tips for a Safe 4th of July

The Independence Day Holiday is just around the corner and many people will visit the beach, enjoy fireworks, or fire up the grill for a backyard barbecue.

“The American Red Cross wants everyone to have a happy — and safe — Fourth of July holiday, and taking a few simple steps to stay safe can help ensure that this will be an enjoyable holiday for all,” said Janienne Bella, Regional Chief Executive Officer for the Red Cross Central and Western Oklahoma Region.

BEACH SAFETY If swimming in the ocean or lake is part of someone’s holiday plans, they should check the weather and water conditions beforehand and throughout the day, swim only at a lifeguard-protected beach within the designated swimming area and obey all safety rules. Avoid alcohol before and during any water activities and make sure to never swim alone.

Other tips to keep in mind:

• Actively supervise children at all times – even if a      lifeguard is present. Stay within arm’s reach of young children when they      are in the water.
• Have weak      swimmers wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Don’t rely on water      wings or inflatable toys.
• Always enter shallow water feet first. Dive only in areas marked      safe for diving.

RIP CURRENTS Be aware of the danger of rip currents and remember the following:

• If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the      shore until out of the current. Once free, turn and swim toward shore.
• If someone can’t swim to the shore, they should shout      for help, float or tread water until free of the rip current and then head      toward shore.
• Stay at least      100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist      near these structures.

Additional water safety tips are located at redcross.org/watersafetytips.

WATCH THE SUN Everyone should limit the amount of direct sunlight they receive between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15 throughout the day. Drink plenty of water and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. Wear sunglasses that will absorb UV sunlight to protect one’s eyes. And remember to protect one’s feet by wearing some kind of beach shoes.

FIREWORKS SAFETY Nothing says “Fourth of July” like fireworks. To help stay safe while enjoying them, follow these safety steps:

• Never give fireworks to small children and always      follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears      eye protection.
• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt      to relight “a dud.”
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from      children and pets.
• Never throw or point fireworks toward people,      animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
• Stay at least 500 feet away from professional      fireworks displays.
• Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs      are using fireworks.

GRILLING SAFETY If a picnic and grilled goodies are part of someone’s holiday plans, they should follow these steps:

• Always watch the      barbecue grill when in use.
• Never grill indoors – not in a house, camper, tent      or any enclosed area.
• Make sure children      and pets stay away from the grill.
• Keep the grill      out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches or anything      that could catch fire.
• Use the      long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the      chef safe.
• Never add      charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Always follow      the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.

“In addition to these tips, all iPhone and Android smart phone owners should download the new, free American Red Cross First Aid app now so they will have information on how to treat everyday emergencies right in their hands,” added Bella.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.