What’s your family’s Fourth of July tradition? Do you invite the entire neighborhood to your backyard for a colossal cookout? Maybe you head to the nearest lake for some summertime fun on the water. Or perhaps you like to celebrate Independence Day with a day full of outdoor games followed by a show-stopping fireworks display. However you and your family choose to celebrate the Fourth of July, make sure that it’s as safe as it is fun!
Food Safety
Make sure that those delicious burgers and bratwurst are cooked thoroughly while on the grill. Undercooked foods can lead to food poisoning. Cooking foods to the right internal temperature will kill harmful bacteria and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Avoid leaving food out for extended periods of time. Foods should not be left in the “Danger Zone” for more than an hour.
Foodborne illness can happen even if you’re diligent about cooking food thoroughly and keep them out of the “Danger Zone”. Also remember to clean hands, utensils, dishes, and surfaces thoroughly, and to keep foods – such as raw meat and vegetables – separate.
Water Safety
Children should always be supervised by an adult while swimming.
Check swimming areas thoroughly before entering. Look for things like strong currents, poisonous snakes, or submerged rocks, trees, etc.
Be responsible, exercise good judgement, and never swim alone.
Sun Safety
People can develop a sunburn in just a matter of minutes. Make sure to wear sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 15, and reapply every 1-2 hours.
Sun screen just blocks UVB radiation, however. Wearing clothing with a high UPF rating will also help block UVA radiation.
Be sure to seek shade and stay hydrated, and don’t forget the hat, sunglasses, and lip balm!
Fireworks Safety
Fireworks are a Fourth of July staple, but they are also responsible for thousands of ER visits every year.
Never handle fireworks, and always follow the instructions.
Fireworks should only be used under adult supervision.
Keep the water hose ready just in case!