Staying Safe on the 4th

The Fourth of July is a great time to celebrate our nation’s independence, but it can also be very dangerous if you’re not careful. Whether you're enjoying a backyard BBQ, heading to the beach, or watching fireworks, here are some essential tips to keep your holiday safe and fun:

Health Tips

• Book an Uber in Advance: If you’re planning to drink, be responsible and book a ride beforehand.

• Hydrate Wisely: If you’re drinking, be sure and have a glass of water in between drinks to ensure proper hydration.

• Don’t Forget the Produce: Corn, bell peppers, and zucchini go great on the grill, and watermelon, peaches, and pineapple can add to the spread.

• Watch food temps: Keep cold foods below 40°F and hot foods above 140°F to prevent foodborne illness.

Firework Safety Tips

• If you don’t know, leave it to a pro: Attending public fireworks displays is always the safest for those with less experience around fireworks.

• Keep a safe distance: Light fireworks one at a time, always back away after lighting.

• Soak in Water: Keep water close and soak any remnants in water before disposing, and never relight duds, instead wait and soak them in water before disposal.

• Supervise children: Monitor children closely and be extremely careful with them around fireworks, even sparklers can reach temperatures over 1,500°F!