Safety & Party Planning Tips For Your 4th Of July

Safety First!

No matter where you plan to spend this Independence Day, keep safety at the top of your list! These tips about fireworks, open water swimming and barbeques and grills will help keep you and your family safe and informed.

1. Fireworks

First thing’s first, make sure that fireworks are legal to use in your area. If not, don’t use them! If they are, always keep them away from minors, even when they’re not lit. When you’re ready to use, follow the directions and don’t stray from how the fireworks are meant to be used. When lighting them, keep water handy in case of an emergency, whether it be a hose or a bucket of water. You should only light fireworks on a flat surface away from anything flammable, such as dry leaves. When you���re done, soak all materials in water before disposing into the dumpster.

2. Open water swimming

If you’re headed to the beach or the lake this Independence Day, make sure all children know the differences between swimming in open water compared to swimming in a pool. For example, open water has limited visibility, different depth, currents, undertow, etc. Look out for flags on the shore that will let you know if the water is currently safe to swim in or not. Everyone should wear a U.S Coast Guard-approved life jacket and children should be fitted for an approved personal floatation device. No matter where you are, always use the buddy system and stay in designated swimming areas with lifeguards present. For more information about swimming in open water, visit Safe Kids Worldwide.

3. Barbeques and grills

Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house but the further, the better to avoid potential fires. When in use, keep children and pets away from the grill. Clean your grill regularly to get rid of any fat and grease build-up that could cause flare-ups. Lastly, keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it! If you’re not sure, call 911 immediately rather than trying to learn during an emergency.

Party Planning Time!

Now that safety is covered, it’s time to plan your backyard party! Need some inspiration? Check out Chelsee from the House of Hood’s Fourth of July blog post for everything from party favors to decorations to food ideas for your Fourth of July!