By Alana Mauger

Independence Day is just ahead, and your plans might include fireworks displays, backyard picnics or spending time outdoors. The American Red Cross offers these tips so you can enjoy a fun-packed, safe holiday.

FIREWORKS SAFETY

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public firework show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show. Many states outlaw most fireworks. Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks. If you are setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:

1. Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
2. Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
3. Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
4. Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
5. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.

PICNIC AND GRILLING SAFETY

July 4th is a great time to get outside for a picnic or to fire up the grill. Follow these tips to prevent illness and keep everyone safe:

1. Wash your hands before preparing the food.
2. Don’t leave food out in the hot sun. Keep perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs.
3. If you are going to cook on the grill, never grill indoors. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
4. Always supervise the grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited. Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.
5. Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY

According to the National Weather Service, there is no safe place outside when a thunderstorm is in the area. If you can hear thunder, you’re close enough to be in danger from lightning. Follow this tips:

1. Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for emergency updates. Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind.
2. Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely to occur. Many people struck by lightning are not in the area where rain is occurring.
3. Move inside at the first clap of thunder and stay inside at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap. Don’t wait to seek shelter until the storm is overhead or it starts to rain.
4. If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, take shelter in a substantial building or in a vehicle with the windows closed. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds.

BE PREPARED

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