4th of July Safety Tips

First and foremost, obey local laws. If fireworks are illegal where you live, don’t use them. Even if they are legal in your area, keep fireworks out of the hands of minors. That includes unlit fireworks. Take children to public firework displays and seize the opportunity to discuss safety issues beforehand.

Fireworks

If you live somewhere that allows individuals to use fireworks, proceed with caution and use common sense. The National Council of Fireworks suggests the following precautions:

• Follow the directions on all fireworks, and don’t use them for anything other than what they’re intended for.
• Don’t attempt to alter nor combine fireworks products.
• Never use homemade fireworks.
• Report illegal explosives to the nearest fire or police department.
• When lighting fireworks, always have water handy. A hose is best, but a bucket will suffice.
• Spectators should remain a safe distance from the fireworks being lit.
• Whoever lights the fireworks must be sober, wear safety glasses, and keep clothing well away from the flame when lighting.
• Only light fireworks outdoors on a smooth, flat surface, away from all flammable materials including dry leaves and paper.
• Never try to relight fireworks that appear to be duds. Wait up to 20 minutes for a possible delayed ignition. Then if nothing happens, soak the firework in a bucket of water and dispose of it.
• Dispose of all firework materials by first soaking them in water before putting them in the trash.
• Keep sparklers away from clothing and other flammable materials.

Pet Precautions

Most animals are frightened by fireworks. Pets that feel scared may react by running away from home, defecating indoors, or otherwise destroying property. Protect your pets on the fourth of July by taking some basic precautions.

• Don’t take your pets to fireworks displays.
• Don’t leave your pets in a car by themselves.
• Don’t leave your pets unattended outside.
• During public fireworks displays, keep your pets in a safe place indoors where they won’t be able to destroy anything. If your home isn’t soundproof, you might want to leave the television or radio on so your pets won’t hear the fireworks.
• Consult your veterinarian ahead of the holiday if your pets have a tendency to overreact to loud noises.

Besides Fireworks

Fireworks are usually the first thing most people think of when it comes to the Fourth of July, but there are other aspects to the holiday that merit precautions. Most summer season safety measures are worth bearing in mind on Independence Day. Depending on which specific activities comprise your festivities, the following are possible concerns:

• During daylight hours, you’ll want to protect yourself from excess exposure to the sun. Wear sunscreen and a hat.
• Heatstroke and dehydration are other daylight concerns to keep in mind. Be sure to drink plenty of water and seek out shady areas if you feel overheated.
• If you host or attend a barbecue, beware of possible fire hazards and outdoor food spoilage.
• Depending on your location, you may need to wear insect repellant and be alert for bees or wasps.
• Use good judgment when going swimming or boating. Be alert to water conditions, such as water depth and ocean currents. Make sure novice swimmers use flotation devices and children have chaperones.
• Wear protective gear for bicycling and other sports.

Review Safe Boating Practices

Heading out on the water is a great way to take in the spectacular summer weather and outdoor scenery that Massachusetts has to offer. Look over safe boating practices before embarking on your next trip. Remember to equip your boat with lifejackets in appropriate sizes and types for the intended wearers – even pets. Stay alert while navigating, and follow state boating laws by traveling at safe speeds.

Check for Ticks

Protect yourself from tick-borne diseases including West Nile Virus and Lyme disease by knowing how to recognize ticks. Bathe or shower as soon as possible after being outdoors, especially in moist, wooded, or grassy areas, and be sure to perform a tick check. Use fine-tuned tweezers to remove ticks immediately. Keep backyards free from rotting leaves and damp grasses to eliminate potential breeding grounds.

Consume Alcohol Responsibly

Drive sober or get pulled over.  Establish a designated driver in advance to bring party goers home from 4^th of July festivities. Know your limits when drinking alcohol and don’t overindulge.

Keep Children Safe

Whether on the playground or at a campground, make sure children are supervised while celebrating outside during the holiday. Keep fireworks and sparklers out of reach of children at all times. Remove pieces of small toys, balloons, , and other items that may be potential choking hazards or dangerous to small children.

Put down your cell phone

If you aren’t sure of the directions or don’t know where you are going on 4th of July, check your GPS before you leave the house. If you get lost, have a passenger in the vehicle make a call for directions or pull over to place the call, if you are alone. Distracted drivers fiddling with phone calls, text messages and navigation systems often are the cause of accidents.