Grill and Food Tips:

• Never leave a lit or hot grill unattended
• Designate a “grill master” to assure children and pets stay away from the flames or hot grill
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby
• Do not use a grill under porches/overhangs or too close to any structure
• Cover food to protect it from insects outdoors
• Cut up hotdogs, grapes, and other foods that may be choking hazards for children
• Take steps to keep food at picnics and barbeques at proper temperatures to avoid foodborne bacteria (www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm109899.htm)
• Keep cold foods cold AND hot foods hot

Outdoor Adventures:

• Apply and reapply bug spray and sunscreen (with appropriate SPF)
• Prepare for the weather and avoid being outdoors during high heat indexes or storms
• Wear other protective apparel for the activity, such as bicycle helmets, hats, sunglasses, appropriate footwear, safety vests, life vests, etc.
• Drink lots of water to stay hydrated
• Never leave children alone or unattended while near a pool or open body of water; always have a responsible and sober adult as the “designated, water watcher”
• Always wear life vests when boating and jet skiing
• Children and inexperienced swimmers should wear life vests while around pools, rivers, lakes, or other open bodies of water, too
• Teach children basic water safety tips
• If a child is missing near a pool or body of water, ALWAYS check the water first
• Use caution around bonfires, fire pits, or sparklers
• Check outdoor toys, seats, and equipment for snakes and other critters hiding in this heat
• Test the temperature of playground equipment before children play
• Check for bees and wasps (and nests) in playground equipment, especially if child has known allergy

Firework Fun:

• First and foremost, OBEY all state and local laws/ordinances as it relates to approved fireworks
• Read the safety and performance descriptions before igniting fireworks
• Assign a responsible and sober adult to supervise all firework activities; do not give fireworks to children
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS and away from structures and vehicles
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby
• Do NOT experiment with homemade fireworks
• Pets and fireworks do NOT mix: - Do not bring pets to watch fireworks; they won’t enjoy it - If fireworks are used near your home, bring pets inside to a safe, interior room to avoid exposure to the sounds, which may scare them - Make sure your pets have an identification tag and collar in case they run off or get out during these events
• Check out more safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety (www.fireworkssafety.org)

Travel Tips:

AAA estimates that “nearly 47 million Americans will set new Independence Day holiday travel record,” according to a press release posted on their website (www.newsroom.aaa.com) for the
2018 Fourth of July holidays. Share the roads safely!

• Buckle up – the driver and all passengers should wear seatbelts, day and night, regardless of location in the vehicle; children should be properly secured in a car safety seat (www.healthychildren.org) - Many states have a “Click it or Ticket” law
• Obey traffic laws and use extra caution on the road as there will be an excess of motorists and pedestrians
• Give full attention to driving: do not drive while intoxicated, texting, posting to social media, taking pictures, or otherwise distracted
• Pack a first aid and disaster kit in the car in the event of an emergency
• Prep your home before you leave town: - Avoid posting on social media that you will not be home or where you will be traveling - Lock all doors and windows - Stop/hold all your mail, deliveries, and newspaper or request a neighbor/relative to pick it up - Make sure potential fire hazards are secured appropriately – grills, electronics, lamps, etc.

Have fun and be safe this Independence Day! If there is an emergency, call 9-1-1.