July 4th Safety Tips

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate has some tips to help you celebrate safely:

Fireworks

If you live somewhere that allows individuals to use fireworks, proceed with caution and use common sense. The National Council of Fireworks suggests the following precautions:

• Follow the directions on all fireworks and don’t use them for anything other than what they’re intended for.
• Don’t attempt to alter or combine fireworks products.
• Never use homemade fireworks.
• Report illegal explosives to the nearest fire or police department.
• When lighting fireworks, always have water handy. A hose is best, but a bucket will suffice.
• Spectators should remain a safe distance from the fireworks being lit.
• Whoever lights the fireworks must be sober, wear safety glasses, and keep clothing well away from the flame when lighting.
• Only light fireworks outdoors on a smooth, flat surface, away from all flammable materials including dry leaves and paper.
• Never try to relight fireworks that appear to be duds. Wait up to 20 minutes for a possible delayed ignition. Then if nothing happens, soak the firework in a bucket of water and dispose of it.
• Dispose of all firework materials by first soaking them in water before putting them in the trash.
• Keep sparklers away from clothing and other flammable materials.

GRILLING SAFETY Every year people in this country are injured while using backyard charcoal or gas grills. Follow these steps from The American Red Cross to safely cook up treats for the backyard barbecue:

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Never grill indoors – not in your house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
• Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
• 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 follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.

SUN PROTECTION Limit exposure to direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15. Reapply sunscreen often. Remember to drink plenty of water regularly, even if not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. Protect the eyes by wearing sunglasses that will absorb 100 percent of UV sunlight. Protect the feet – the sand can burn them and glass and other sharp objects can cut them.

During hot weather, watch for signs of heat stroke—hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing. If it’s suspected someone is suffering from heat stroke:

• Call 9-1-1 and move the person to a cooler place.
• Quickly cool the body by applying cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin (or misting it with water) and fanning the person.
• Watch for signs of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.

By following these suggestions, you and your guests can celebrate a safe and happy Independence Day!

Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate

www.Service1stHomes.com            (636)936-8600