Have Fun and Stay Safe on the 4th of July Holiday

Safety tips and facts on fireworks, drinking and pets so that you can enjoy this holiday with your loved ones!

Americans will travel over 50 miles from home this Fourth of July weekend. They will spend $825 million dollars on fireworks, and 150 million hot dogs will be eaten, according to Wallethub. Needless to say, the Fourth of July is a big deal!

However, like any good thing, there are risks and precautions that must be taken. It is estimated that 11,000 people are injured from firework related incidents every Fourth of July. Approximately 148 people die from automobile crashes, almost half of which are caused by drunkenness. In total 8,800 overall emergency room visits are made.

Fireworks

This Fourth of July, take the proper precautions to keep you, and those you love, away from danger. First, if you are setting off fireworks with the rest of the nation, be sure to understand and abide by the legality surrounding firework use in your state. You can visit US Fireworks for more information. Always store fireworks in a cool and dry space. When preparing to set off your fireworks, keep a bucket of water nearby or be close to a hose. Make sure that bystanders are an appropriate distance from the launching area. Keep a close eye on children and do not let them near the fireworks. After lighting the firework, be sure to move away and then extinguish it properly in water.

If you are using sparklers this Fourth of July, it is advised to wear close toed shoes and to stand six feet away from others. Children should be closely monitored.

Sparklers bring another risk to activities on the Fourth of July. While they seem harmless and are used at countless events such as weddings, parties, and backyard fun, they are quite dangerous. Sparklers burn at a temperature of 2,000 degrees, that is hot enough to melt metal. If you are using sparklers this Fourth of July, it is advised to wear close toed shoes and to stand six feet away from others. Children should be closely monitored. When the sparkler burns out, drop it in a bucket of cool water and do not attempt to relight it.

Small burns can be treated with first aid by doing the following:

  1. Ensure that the source of the burn has been dealt with, and the scene is safe.
  2. Wear personal protective equipment, and get the first aid kit.
  3. Rinse the burn in cool or cold water.
  4. Apply antibiotic or burn cream if no allergies exist.
  5. Cover with a clean, dry non-stick dressing.
  6. Have the person follow up with a health care provider.
  7. Do not apply ice to a burn. This technique will result in a cold

Drinking

Most people do not know that the Fourth of July is the number one holiday for beer-drinking, but it is! Americans spend over one million dollars on beer this holiday. That is more than what Americans spend on hot dogs and burgers combined!

Consequently, it is vital that precautions are taken whether you are drinking or not. If you are participating in drinking make sure that you know your limit and stick to it. Alcohol poisoning can happen before you know it.

Some symptoms of alcohol poisoning to lookout for according to drinkware.co.uk include:

  • Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Loss of Coordination
  • Low Body Temperature
  • Confusion
  • Irregular of slow breathing
  • Blue-tinged or pale skin
  • Low body temperature
  • Unconsciousness
  • Stupor – the person is conscious but not responsive

If you or someone you know experience these symptoms, it is important to call 9-1-1. Alcohol poisoning is very dangerous and it is better to be safe than sorry. Plan ahead and be smart. Set up a designated driver or use a taxi, Uber or Lyft. Look out for potentially drunk drivers on the road and alert a police officer if you see one.

Pets

The Fourth of July is the day that more pets run away than any other day of the year. This leaves July fifth as the busiest day of the year for animal shelters. It is reported that 7.6 million pets are lost on this day. Only 26 percent of these pets are returned to their owners while 35 percent are euthanized. Therefore, we have compiled safety measures to take for your pets this Fourth of July. Make sure that your pets get plenty of exercise during the day so when night comes around, they have less energy. Keep a crate or safe space for your pet to retreat to when the fireworks start. Additionally, make sure that your pets are indoors and check on them every hour or so. It might even be worth it to play some soothing music for your pet to drown out the fireworks. Lastly, ensure that your pet has proper and up to date ID tags. You might even consider a GPS tracker for them.

This holiday, remember to be safe, be aware, and be happy. From our team to yours, have a happy Fourth of July!

Fourth of July Safety Tips and Facts Infographic