Enjoy a Safe 4th of July
Independence Day in the United States is quickly approaching. To make sure you have a safe and fun holiday, North Dakota Health & Human Services (HHS) recommends these simple safety tips.
• Don’t allow children to handle fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers can reach 2,000°F!
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• Never hold a lit firework in your hand.
• Never point or throw a lit firework at anyone.
• Keep children and other observers at a safe distance and behind a protective barrier.
• Keep a bucket of water close by for disposal of fireworks.
• Observe all local and state laws.
• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• Grills should be used away from the house and deck railings, as well as out from under leaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
• Never leave a lit or hot grill unattended; a responsible adult should stand guard to control flames and keep children and animals away from hot surfaces.
• Take food preparation precautions and avoid cross-contamination with plenty of handwashing. Here are some helpful food safety tips to help prevent foodborne illness.
• Watch children while fire is burning. Never let children and pets play or stand too close to the fire.
• Never leave a campfire unattended.
• Never use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids on a campfire.
• Always have a hose, bucket of water or shovel and dirt/sand nearby to put out the fire.
• Always wear a life jacket.
• Never boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Use an engine cut-off device.
• Never leave a child unattended in any type of water including rivers, lakes, ponds, wading pools, swimming pools or bath tubs.
• Learn how to swim and teach your child how to swim.
• Learn CPR.
• Have appropriate, life-saving equipment for your pool or spa including life rings, floats or a reaching pole.
• Don’t allow yourself or anyone else to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• When you are driving, always wear your seat belt and make sure others in the vehicle are wearing theirs.
• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (American Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 30 or higher) and make sure to reapply as necessary, especially if swimming or sweating.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep cool.
• Keep your eyes protected by wearing a hat and sunglasses.
Enjoy the holiday!