Independence Day is one of our favorite holidays– between the fireworks, family cookouts, and celebrating our nation’s freedom with friends, it’s always a fun time. As we’ve raised our children to enjoy the traditions of this special day, we’ve also taken precautions to keep our family safe as we celebrate.
Keep reading for some surprising statistics, and find out how you can make sure your family stays safe this Fourth of July.
Light Fireworks Safely
Here is a quick, step-by-step guide to making sure that you are using fireworks correctly:
- Before purchase, check that the fireworks are legal in your area
- Carefully read and follow the instructions
- Select an open, inflammable, flat and sturdy area outside to set the fireworks off.
- Make sure that viewers are a safe distance away, thirty feet is recommended for small children
- If a firework fails to ignite, do not try to relight it, and stay away for twenty minutes; many injuries come from fireworks with slow-burning fuses going off unexpectedly
- Let all fireworks, duds or not, soak in water for at least fifteen minutes before disposal
If your children will be using sparklers, talk to them about safety and then closely supervise them. For children under five, sparklers actually account for the most firework-related injuries. This isn’t because they aren’t safe– it’s because children are more likely to be handling sparklers, and some parents do not realize how closely they should watch their kids as they use them.
Don’t Let the Dogs Out
Did you know that more dogs run away on the fourth than any other day of the year? To protect your furry family member, you should keep them inside, away from where the fireworks will be set off. The loud noise causes dogs to become distressed and impulsive, sometimes leading them to run away. Make sure they have on a tag with your phone number and address, just in case!
If your dog seems particularly scared, you can try putting them in a small space where they feel comfortable, like a travel kennel. The smaller space will help them feel safe, and making sure that they are cool will also have a calming effect. There are audio tapes available that help dogs acclimate to loud sounds, like fireworks, over time.
Avoid Food Poisoning
Do not let perishable food sit out. When it’s over 90 degrees, perishable food should be thrown out after one hour. While you can get away for setting food out for two hours when the weather is under 90 degrees, here in Gainesville we know to prepare for the heat. Store cold food in the cooler and keep hot food on the grill, and be aware that bacteria thrives in temperatures from 40° to 140°.
It’s also important to use multiple cooking utensils. To avoid E. Coli and other harmful bacteria, ensure your raw meats and poultry are completely separated from vegetables and cooked foods, and use different utensils for your meats, poultry, and vegetables.
When your cookout is over, do not clean your barbecue with a wire bristle brush. There have been several cases where the bristles break off into barbeques, get stuck in food, and then cause serious stomach problems that can lead to emergency surgery.
The solution? Using a coil brush without bristles or crumpled aluminum foil will keep your grill clean. There are also barbeque cleaning and degreasing products that will help you clean more thoroughly.
Apply Sunscreen
Even if it’s a cloudy day, 80% of UV rays can still get through the gloom and cause a bad sunburn. Especially here in Florida, you should make sure everyone in the family has sunscreen, not forgetting the feet or ears. Also check to see if it’s expired in advanced, in case you need to make a quick run to the store.
ALWAYS Drive Sober
It’s something we know endangers others and ourselves, but every year July 4th ranks in the top three days for most motor fatalities, largely due to drunk driving. Make sure you have a designated driver in your party, and that they know to practice “defensive driving” by looking out for people who are less responsible than your group.
Talk to your Teen
It’s especially important to talk to your teen about Fourth of July safety if they will be spending the holiday with friends. If they will be driving or setting off fireworks, make sure that they are reminded of responsible behaviors that will keep everyone safe. Talking to them about defensive driving and the dangers of horsing around with fireworks will give you the peace of mind to enjoy your own celebrations, and most importantly, keep your teen safe.
We are all about family here at Norfleet Homes, and will work with you to design the space you have always dreamed of in one of our safe, neighborly communities, located in the Gainesville, Florida area. Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to raise your children or the amenities of an up-and-coming town, we can find the right home for you. Give us a call at (352) 472-5780 or visit our website to learn more about our three unique communities.
