While the July 4th holiday can be festive and fun with barbecues, parades, pool parties, and fireworks, it has the potential to turn dangerous in a hurry.
The last thing anyone wants is to get hurt over the Fourth of July holiday. By taking some simple precautions and planning, you and your family can have a safe and enjoyable weekend.
Play it safe with fireworks
Fireworks are a favorite pastime to celebrate America’s birthday. But when not used properly, people can get hurt – and badly. In 2019, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that fireworks were responsible for at least 12 deaths and more than 10,000 injuries resulting in trips to the emergency room.
Fireworks can cause severe burns and eye injuries. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children under 15 accounts for more than a third of the injuries, resulting in burns and wounds to the hands, arms, eyes, and face.
Even though they may seem relatively harmless, sparklers can be hazardous if not handled appropriately. Because they burn at extremely high temperatures – of around 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit – they are capable of causing third-degree burns.
If you want to enjoy fireworks on July 4th, the best and safest course of action is to find a local fireworks show and leave it up to the experts.
Appoint a designated driver
Everyone loves to celebrate red, white, and blue. But if you plan on consuming alcohol, make sure you have a designated driver. The Fourth of July is one of the most hazardous days to be out on the roads according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and alcohol plays a major role. Plan ahead and keep yourself and others on the road out of harm’s way.
Be mindful of the grill
Hotdogs and hamburgers are favorite foods associated with the summer holiday. While you’re grilling up a summer feast, be careful not to get burned. The CPSC says nearly 17,000 people go to the emergency room each year because of an accident involving the grill. Adults can easily burn themselves while cooking, and children can do the same if they bump, touch, or fall into a hot grill or coals. Grilling can also result in house fires. The National Fire Protection Association estimates grills are responsible for approximately 10,000 house fires annually.
Don’t leave leftovers sitting out
Enjoy your picnic and then store the leftovers appropriately to avoid food poisoning. After all, no one wants a stomachache on July 4th. If your perishable items have been sitting out for more than two hours, it’s best to toss them.
Practice safe boating
There’s no doubt that a boat ride is a fun way to spend the July 4th holiday. But before you jump on board, there are some precautions you need to take to ensure everyone has a safe and pleasant experience. The U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division says you should:
· Always wear a life jacket
· Avoid alcohol while boating
· Have a mechanism in place that can cut off the engine if necessary
Watch children around water
More than likely, you and your family are planning to take a dip in the pool, ride the waves at the beach, or splash around in the lake during the holiday weekend. The CPSC reports that drownings involving children under 15 increase dramatically over the July 4th holiday.
There are a few simple steps parents and caregivers can take to ensure your summer fun doesn’t take a tragic turn:
· Don’t leave children unattended in a body of water, even a wading pool
· Enroll your children in swimming lessons and make sure you know how to swim
· Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
· Have lifesaving devices within quick reach at your pool, including life rings and floatation devices
Don’t forget the sunscreen
While you’re relaxing at the pool or on the lake, make sure you’re wearing sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or above to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. A bad sunburn can be unpleasant for several days and can put you at an increased risk of developing skin cancer later. Take a few minutes to make sure you’re covered from head to toe, meaning don’t forget your feet, ears, or hair part.
Community First ER is here for you
We hope you won’t need us on July 4th, but Community First ER will be here if you do. Upon arrival, we will assess your condition, and with access to sophisticated equipment, we will make sure you receive the proper medical treatment. No appointment is necessary, and walk-ins are accepted. You will experience little to no wait times to receive our personalized, compassionate, concierge-level service. Our board-certified physicians and registered nurses treat you like family, making your health a top priority. We are here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Should you need transportation to a hospital, we will arrange to transfer you via our ambulance and helipad services.
About Community First ER
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