4th Of July Safety Tips

The 4th of July is a celebration to be shared with family and friends. Throughout our country families are flocking to their favorite beach, backyard, or lake to celebrate in their own special way. Most of these celebrations include two things: grilling & fireworks. While the excitement surrounding the annual holiday is almost palpable, so are the risks associated with its activities. In hopes of keeping family and friends out of harm’s way, here are a few tips for a safer holiday.

When Grilling & BBQing…

1. Keep your grill away from your house and other structures

Although firing up the grill is a staple of 4th of July celebrations, make sure it is more than 10 feet away from houses, trees, decorations, and any other fire risk. The heat and subsequent flames from a grill can cause significant damage not only to property, but also to those in close proximity in event of a fire.

2. Have a fire extinguisher nearby

Being prepared to combat a potential grease fire can be the difference between a small fire and major injury. No grill master is above keeping an extinguisher nearby.

3. Never turn on your grill’s gas with the lid shut

Allowing gas to build up in a grill prior to lighting it is the easiest way to earn a trip to the emergency room. Accumulated gas once ignited can produce a fireball capable of serious injury.

When Using Fireworks…

1. Leave the Big Stuff to Professionals

While shooting off large fireworks can produce a few “oohs and ahhs” it can also produce disfiguring injuries. Rather than risking a horrible injury, take the family to your local fireworks display and let certified professionals handle the dangerous materials.

2. Monitor All Children

The vast majority of fireworks injuries occur in to children using sparklers and other small fireworks. We recommend keeping fireworks away from children, but in the event that sparklers or other small illuminants are being used, make sure there is plenty of adult supervision.

3. Properly Discard Used Fireworks.

When discarding, soak used fireworks in water and place them in a metal trashcan or bin that is away from all potential hazards. We recommend giving used fireworks 24 hours to cool prior to throwing them away in traditional garbage.

FDRsafety’s Safety Culture Training has impacted over 500,000 members of our nation’s workforce by focusing on “The Why” of Safety. Our Experts motivate workers to want to be safe, and improves safety performance throughout organizations. For more information please contact Flavius Brown – Vice President at FDRsafety.