Taking place during the hottest month of summertime, this holiday is the perfect occasion to crowd around a pool and enjoy a cold drink. If the pool’s not your thing, you’re most likely inside enjoying the air conditioning. And no matter where you’re celebrating, there’s going to be fireworks lit up at the end of the night. After all, they’re a 4th of July staple!
With fireworks, drinking and large groups of people, it’s important to take safety measures. Although fun is definitely a priority, safety should always come first. There are a few simple areas that you should focus on to create a safe and enjoyable time for everyone. Taking precautions beforehand might save you a lot of trouble down the road — better safe than sorry!
Fireworks are fun, but dangerous
You can’t think of a 4th of July celebration without fireworks — the two go hand in hand. Children and adults alike visit the nearest firework store to prepare. But, don’t forget that fireworks are, indeed, FIREworks.
Source: Modern Healthcare
Unfortunately, things often go wrong because people neglect common safety precautions. There can be a misplaced fuse or a mislabeled firework. Don’t forget, you’re playing with fire, quite literally. It’s important to practice safety first when operating fireworks.
- Always read the directions for the fireworks you’re planning to use. From firecrackers to mortars, directions are there for a reason.
- Stay a safe distance away once the firework fuse is lit. If the firework malfunctions, it can lead to dangerous situations. Do not try to light it again. Throw water on top of it to stop it from combusting at a random time.
- Alert young children about the safety hazards of fireworks. Remind them not to point sparklers at one another. Even the safest of fireworks are still dangerous. Don’t assume that the kids know the basics. Some might not.
- Keep a water bucket nearby in case an unwanted fire situation arises or a firework malfunctions.
Pools are there to cool you down, not stress you out
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More likely than not, the outside temperature is going to be high. Summertime brings summer heat and pools are the perfect remedy. Lounging about in the water is relaxing and stress-relieving. Not only does it feel good, but it keeps your body temperature from rising too high in the extreme summer heat.
But, pools can become a bit of a safety hazard when there’s children, alcohol and large groups of people around. It’s easy to fall in and possibly injure yourself. It’s a good idea to review some pool safety tips to ensure no accidents happen.
- No glass bottles at the pool! This is a non-negotiable. Most apartment complexes don’t allow glass bottles around the pool, yet many people don’t follow this simple rule. On the 4th of July (and every other day), make sure to keep your drinks in a cup and leave all glass at home. Glass can break and cause unnecessary accidents.
- An adult should always be supervising young children that are swimming in the pool. Take the necessary precautions to ensure that at least one adult is lifeguarding the pool area (a sober supervisor).
- Provide floaties for everyone to use. Not only are they fun and festive for the holiday, but they act as rafts to hold people above the water. They’re a win/win.
Have a drink or two, responsibly
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Fun in the sun usually requires a delicious daiquiri or some sort of homemade hunch punch. It’s a holiday, so it’s OK to let loose a bit and have a drink or two. Enjoying an alcoholic beverage with friends and family is a sure way to guarantee some fun on the 4th of July.
Just remember to be responsible! It may sound silly, but set a little reminder in your head to space out your drinks and add in a cup of water every other drink. This adds up in the long-run. Alcohol is very dehydrating. Adding some water to your 4th of July drink schedule will give you more energy. This will also have you feeling much, much better the next day.
Extra dehydration added to the summer heat is never a good combination. Also, remind your friends to do the same. It’s easy to forget, but grabbing a few water bottles and handing them out here and there will make a big difference. Be the life of the party while keeping the party hydrated.
Also, you could decide to only stick to beer. This way, you won’t be drinking mystery amounts of liquor. Often times, mixed drinks taste delicious, making it hard to gauge how much alcohol is in them. Sticking to beer will keep you at a safe, steady pace. Have some fun, but remember to drink responsibly.
Grill up some hot dogs and burgers
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Barbecuing hot dogs and burgers might tie “fireworks” as the most traditional way to celebrate the 4th of July. Who doesn’t love a quick and easy cheeseburger while celebrating America?
From the beach to your backyard, grilling is an easy, affordable way to ensure that everyone isn’t celebrating on an empty stomach. However, like everything else, grilling is best done with safety in mind.
- Whether you’re using propane or coal, keep everyone a safe distance away from the grill as it heats up. Often times, small children don’t understand what a grill is, but they do see it as something to grab.
- Double check to make sure that the flames can’t touch any overhanging branches or trees. Place the grill in an open area to minimize chances of foliage or debris catching fire.
- Similarly to the firework precautions, keep a bucket of water nearby. Anytime you’re dealing with an open flame, it’s smart to have water close-by in case of an emergency.
- Try to control the heat of the grill as much as possible. If you’re using propane, this is fairly simple. But, if you’re using coal, this might be a bit trickier. Not only is it safer to keep the grill from getting too hot, but it also prevents food from overcooking.
Happy Independence Day, America!
On July 4th, we celebrate Independence Day and it’s notably America’s most fun holiday. Year after year, the parties, fireworks and barbecues make it an unforgettable time. Enjoy the day off with your family and friends.
But, there’s no reason that you can’t have fun without taking some precautions. Keep these things in mind so that you can have a safe and healthy July 4th holiday.
