While the 4th of July is one of the greatest celebrations known to mankind, it is also the most dangerous. What started as a celebration of this nation's grand history has turned into the number one holiday for drunk driving, reckless activities, and hospital visits.
I've always loved this Independence Day…Hot dogs, cold beer, and a boatload of fireworks. What's not to love!
But as I get older I start to see the possibilities for disaster on Independence Day.
Fireworks fails, traffic accidents, and general chaos all contribute to a day full of potential dangers.
That doesn't sound ideal, does it?
Make the most out of your festivities with these smart safety tips and avoid a trip to the hospital!
Practice Fireworks Safety for 4th of July
Let's not end our Independence Day celebration in the emergency room. Be smart, folks:
- If you are doing your own fireworks display, be sure to purchase them from a reputable seller and follow the label
- Do not let children handle fireworks. If they use sparklers, watch them carefully and teach them safety techniques
- Keep away from where fireworks are being launched, especially the disabled. Should something go wrong, you will need a quick exit
- Do not try to light a stack of fireworks at once, rather light one at a time
- Never point fireworks at others
- Have something readily available to extinguish a fire
- Do not light fireworks in an area with tall grass or if it is dry
Check out this video on fireworks safety:
Burn Ban
Sadly, burn bans may affect your 4th of July plans. Before you send hundreds of dollars on fireworks, check with the county and make sure there is not a burn ban established. If there is not a ban, proceed with caution. Your area could still be dry enough to start a fire via fireworks, sparklers, bonfires and grills.
Food Safety
Clean: Make sure you clean all surfaces, utensils, and hands with soap and water. Separate: When grilling, use separate plates and utensils for raw meat and cooked meat and ready-to-eat foods (like raw vegetables) to avoid cross-contamination. Cook: Cook foods to the right temperature by using a food thermometer. That’s the only way to know it’s a safe temperature. Remember, burgers should be cooked to 160°F. Chill: Chill raw and prepared foods promptly if not consuming after cooking. You shouldn’t leave food at room temperature for longer than two hours (or 1 hour if outdoor temperatures are above 90° F), so if you’re away from home, make sure you bring a cooler to store those leftovers. – See more at: http://blogs.usda.gov/2012/07/02/four-food-safety-tips-for-the-fourth-how-to-protect-your-family-from-a-surprising-july-4th-danger/#sthash.PoGvwA25.dpuf
Clean: Make sure you clean all surfaces, utensils, and hands with soap and water. Separate: When grilling, use separate plates and utensils for raw meat and cooked meat and ready-to-eat foods (like raw vegetables) to avoid cross-contamination. Cook: Cook foods to the right temperature by using a food thermometer. That’s the only way to know it’s a safe temperature. Remember, burgers should be cooked to 160°F. Chill: Chill raw and prepared foods promptly if not consuming after cooking. You shouldn’t leave food at room temperature for longer than two hours (or 1 hour if outdoor temperatures are above 90° F), so if you’re away from home, make sure you bring a cooler to store those leftovers. – See more at: http://blogs.usda.gov/2012/07/02/four-food-safety-tips-for-the-fourth-how-to-protect-your-family-from-a-surprising-july-4th-danger/#sthash.PoGvwA25.dpuf
Clean: Make sure you clean all surfaces, utensils, and hands with soap and water. Separate: When grilling, use separate plates and utensils for raw meat and cooked meat and ready-to-eat foods (like raw vegetables) to avoid cross-contamination. Cook: Cook foods to the right temperature by using a food thermometer. That’s the only way to know it’s a safe temperature. Remember, burgers should be cooked to 160°F. Chill: Chill raw and prepared foods promptly if not consuming after cooking. You shouldn’t leave food at room temperature for longer than two hours (or 1 hour if outdoor temperatures are above 90° F), so if you’re away from home, make sure you bring a cooler to store those leftovers. – See more at: http://blogs.usda.gov/2012/07/02/four-food-safety-tips-for-the-fourth-how-to-protect-your-family-from-a-surprising-july-4th-danger/#sthash.PoGvwA25.dpuf
- Clean: Make sure you clean all surfaces, utensils, and hands with soap and water.
- Separate: When grilling, use separate plates and utensils for raw meat and cooked meat and ready-to-eat foods (like raw vegetables) to avoid cross-contamination.
- Cook: Cook foods to the right temperature by using a food thermometer. That’s the only way to know it’s a safe temperature. Remember, burgers should be cooked to 160°F.
- Chill: Chill raw and prepared foods promptly if not consuming after cooking. You shouldn’t leave food at room temperature for longer than two hours (or 1 hour if outdoor temperatures are above 90° F), so if you’re away from home, make sure you bring a cooler to store those leftovers.
Have A Designated Driver
63.8 million cases of beer are sold every Independence Day, so it makes sense that nearly half of deadly crashes on the Fourth are alcohol-related. As always, plan ahead — choose a designated driver – See more at: http://simplisafe.com/blog/july-4-safety-tips#sthash.u72cNqTu.dpuf
July 4th is the number one holiday for beer sells, with over 68.3 million cases of beer sold on Independence Day. It also ranks as the deadliest holiday, with a spiked increase in fatal crashes. Be sure you have a designated driver!
63.8 million cases of beer are sold every Independence Day, so it makes sense that nearly half of deadly crashes on the Fourth are alcohol-related. As always, plan ahead — choose a designated driver – See more at: http://simplisafe.com/blog/july-4-safety-tips#sthash.u72cNqTu.dpuf
Pet Precautions
Don't let your Independence Day celebration come to a halt by losing your beloved Fido. Think twice before bringing your pet and practice extra care around them.
![]( "Independence Day Survival - July 4th Safety Tips")
Check out these related articles:
All Things American | Patriotic InfographicsEvolution Of The Rifle
