Summer Safety for Families: Heat, Picnic & Fireworks Safety Tips From the American Red Cross by 30Seconds Health

Safety
2 years ago

Summer Safety for Families: Heat, Picnic & Fireworks Safety Tips From the American Red Cross

During summer, many of us will enjoy the outdoors, watch fireworks on July 4th and host a family picnics. The American Red Cross wants everyone to enjoy their summer and offers the following safety tips to help:

Fireworks Safety

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show. Many states outlaw most fireworks. Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks. If you are setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:

  • Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
  • Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
  • Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
  • Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.

Heat Safety

  • Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees F. Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
  • Avoid extreme temperature changes.
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
  • Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat. If someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like schools, libraries, theaters, malls, etc.

Picnic Safety

  • Don’t leave food out in the hot sun. Keep perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs.
  • Wash your hands before preparing the food.
  • If you are going to cook on a grill, always supervise the grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited. Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.
  • Never grill indoors. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
  • Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.

To learn about donating blood, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

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Water Bottles $6 & Up
First Aid Kits $6 & Up
Sunscreen $4 & Up
Outdoor Grills $30 & Up
Picnic Baskets $10 & Up

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Elisa Schmitz
Great summer safety tips!
Cassiday
Always great info from the Red Cross. 🇺🇸

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