Red Cross Issues Safety Tips for July 4th Celebrations

With July 4th celebrations happening around the country tomorrow, the American Red Cross has released it's safety tips for every variety of Independence Day activities.

Barbeques, trips to the beach and fireworks were all highlighted in the release to help keep citizens safe.

Jennifer Balog, Community Chapter Executive of the American Red Cross Mohawk Valley Chapter, discussed the goals of the Red Cross's July 4th safety initiative.

"We want everyone to have a great holiday, and a safe one," said Balog. "Whether the weekend will involve fireworks, grilling or going to the seashore, we have safety tips everyone can follow."

In 2009, nearly 18,000 people were sent to the hospital because of grill related injuries. Grilling safety is of the utmost importance to keep yourself and those around you from harm.

The Red Cross advises that grillers:

• Always supervise a barbeque grill when in use.
• Never grill indoor— not in the house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
• Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
• Use ling-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.

Whether, it's a trip to the ocean or a day spent at a pond or lake beach safety is also key. It is important for beach goers to:

• Keep alert for local weather conditions.
• Swim sober and with a buddy.
• Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Never dive into water headfirst and walk carefully into open waters.
• Keep a close eye and attention on children and adults alike,; wave action can cause someone to lose their footing, even in shallow water.
• Watch out for aquatic life, plants and animals may be dangerous.
• Limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15, reapplying often.
• Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you aren't thirsty.
• Protect feed, sand can burn them and there may be glass you cannot see.

Fireworks are the most popular event associated with the Fourth of July. On average, 200 people go to the hospital for firework-related injuries daily in the month around the July 4th holiday. Of those injuries, 68 percent are males and 32 percent are females and the most injuries by age are ages 25-44.The Red Cross states that the safest way to enjoy fireworks is at a show put on by professionals However, if someone is setting off fireworks at home, the following safety precautions should be made:

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

For expert emergency advice at your fingertips, you can download the American Red Cross’s First Aid App available in the Apple or Google Play for Android app stores.

Have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day.