Independence Day can be a fun and exciting holiday, eagerly anticipated by kids and grownups alike. But the barbecues, warm weather and fireworks of the 4th of July may also hold hidden dangers. Thinking about safety may not be the most exciting part of preparing for the holiday, but people who plan ahead may be more able to enjoy the festivities knowing that they've covered all the necessary bases.
Prevent Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke on Independence Day
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats, a common occurrence on Independence Day when outdoor festivities keep everyone in the sun for hours on end. If left untreated, heat exhaustion may rapidly turn into heat stroke, a deadly condition in which the affected individual stops producing sweat, goes into a coma and dies due to overheating.
Keeping cool and hydrated is the key to avoiding heat stroke and heat exhaustion, so drink plenty of water or sports drinks with electrolytes while enjoying fun in the sun on the 4th. Anyone experiencing signs of a heat-related illness should immediately be brought indoors to an air-conditioned space and given plenty of liquids.
4th of July Barbecue Safety
A backyard barbecue on the 4th of July can be fun, but may also pose a danger to those at the party. Anyone operating a grill, whether charcoal or gas, should follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use it. Never leave the grill unattended and take care when lighting the grill and handling food on the grill.
The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago recommends positioning grills in places where they won't accidentally set something else on fire. This includes keeping the grill away from overhanging eaves, hanging branches, house siding and deck railings. It's a good idea to keep pets and small children away from the grill as well to avoid having them bump or shake the grill and potentially knock it over or cause burning coals or hot food to fall on them.
Firework Safety for Kids and Adults
The U.S. Fire Administration, a division of FEMA, reports that in 2008, about 7000 people were treated for fireworks injuries. Safe handling of fireworks could have prevented many of these injuries. Children under 12 should not use fireworks at all, even sparklers, since all fireworks burn at extreme temperatures that can cause severe injuries or set clothes or hair on fire.
Adults should avoid shooting fireworks when drunk. Consider designating someone who won't be drinking as the designated shooter of fireworks. When watching fireworks, no one but the person lighting the fireworks should be anywhere near them. Instead, choose a safe vantage point where the show will be visible.
For most people, the 4th of July will go off without a hitch and no real safety issues will ever arise. Nonetheless, it's a good idea to keep a phone handy just in case a call to 911 becomes necessary. A first aid kit is another good item to have on hand during any Independence Day gathering, especially if kids will be present. Planning ahead and being able to respond to a potential emergency quickly can make the difference between a minor pause in the festivities and a long night spent in the emergency room when everyone would rather be celebrating the birth of the nation.
Bridget Coila - I'm a cell and molecular biologist, freelance writer and photographer currently living in Beijing, China. I'm fascinated by science, ...
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