Tips to Stay Safe and Healthy

Take a few simple steps to stay safe and help ensure that this Independence Day

celebration will be an enjoyable holiday for all. From fireworks to picnics, beach and

travel safety, be aware of hazards. Know how to respond to emergencies.

Courtesy of the American Red Cross and the National Safety Council 1

Fireworks

The National Safety Council advises the best way to safely enjoy this 4th of July is to watch

a public fireworks display conducted by professionals. However, if fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to use them, be sure to exercise caution and follow safety tips.

Courtesy of the American Red Cross and the National Safety Council 2

Fireworks

• Never give fireworks to small children. Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision.

• Always follow the instructions on the packaging.

• Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution. If you are in an area experiencing drought-like conditions, reconsider using fireworks due to the increase in fire risk.

• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.

Courtesy of the American Red Cross and the National Safety Council 3

Fireworks, Cont’d.• Light fireworks one at a time, in a clear outdoor area away from

onlookers, houses and flammable materials. Never attempt to relight “a dud.”

• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.

• Never throw or point fireworks toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.

• Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.

• Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

Courtesy of the American Red Cross and the National Safety Council 4

Food Preparation

• To avoid food poisoning, cook fresh poultry to 165 degrees, hamburgers to 160 degrees and beef to at least 145 degrees. (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture)

• Refrigerate all perishable food within 2 hours, 1 hour if the temperature outside is above 90 degrees.

• Keep uncooked meats away from other foods to avoid cross-contamination of bacteria.

Courtesy of the American Red Cross and the National Safety Council 5

Grilling

• Thoroughly clean a grill of any food grease or dust.

• Check the tubes leading into the burner for any blockages from insects or grease that can cause an uncontrolled fire.

• Replace any connectors which can lead to a gas leak and keep lighted cigarettes, matches or open flames away from a leaking grill.

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions that accompany the grill.

Courtesy of the American Red Cross and the National Safety Council 6

Grilling, Cont’d.

• Do not use a grill in a garage, breezeway, carport and porch or near any surface that can catch fire. Never grill indoors – not in a house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.

• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.

• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.

• Always watch the barbecue grill when in use.

Courtesy of the American Red Cross and the National Safety Council 7

Swimming• Swim only at a lifeguard-protected beach within the designated

swimming area and obey all safety rules.

• Avoid alcohol before and during any water activities.

• Actively supervise children at all times – even if a lifeguard is present.

• Stay within arm’s reach of young children when they are in the water.

• Don’t swim alone or in bad weather.

Courtesy of the American Red Cross and the National Safety Council 8

Swimming, Cont’d.

• Learn to swim and teach your children to swim.

• Have weak swimmers wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Don’t rely on water wings or inflatable toys.

• Always enter shallow water feet first. Dive only in areas marked safe for diving.

• Learn CPR in case of an emergency.

Courtesy of the American Red Cross and the National Safety Council 9

Boat and Personal Watercraft• Avoid alcohol when boating or operating a personal watercraft.

• Make sure you, and everyone on a boat, canoe, kayak or jet ski wear a Coast-Guard approved lifejacket.

• Make sure young children are supervised at all times when on a boat or personal watercraft.

• Learn about boat and personal watercraft operation, communications, navigation, and life-saving techniques before taking to the water.

Courtesy of the American Red Cross, U.S. Coast Guard and the National Safety Council 10

Beach and Rip Currents

• If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until out of the current. Once free, turn and swim toward shore.

• If someone can’t swim to the shore, they should shout for help, float or tread water until free of the rip current and then head toward shore.

• Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist near these structures.

Courtesy of the American Red Cross and the National Safety Council 11

Beach and the Sun

• Protect against sunburn and heat stroke.

• Wear sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 or higher and apply it generously throughout the day.

• Wear a hat outdoors and a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. Also have beach sandals ready.

• Drink plenty of water, especially when in the sun or if you are sweating heavily.

• If you feel faint or nauseated, get into a cool place immediately.

Courtesy of the American Red Cross and the National Safety Council 12

Travel Safety

• Wear your seatbelt at all times.

• Make sure your vehicle has been properly serviced and is in good working shape before a long road trip.

• Familiarize yourself with your surroundings if you are in an unfamiliar place and know where the nearest emergency room is to you at all times in case of an emergency.

• Whether driving a car or riding a motorcycle, be aware of changing road and weather conditions.

Courtesy of the American Red Cross and the National Safety Council 13

Travel Safety, Cont’d.

• Obey all posted speed limits.

• If you plan to drink, do not drive. Designate a non-drinking driver or use your command’s cab ride program.

• If there is a young driver in your family, strictly enforce a zero tolerance policy with alcohol. All states have a 21-year-old drinking age law.

• Use the Naval Safety Center’s Travel Risk Planning System (TRiPS) before going on liberty or leave.

Courtesy of the American Red Cross and the National Safety Council 14