Fourth of July Safety Tips

June 30, 2017

Fourth of July Weekend is here and many people across the country will be celebrating Independence Day with some of their favorite summer activities. However, despite the free and fun-filled nature of this annual holiday, very few people realize just how many injuries happen over this weekend each year. This means that while it’s okay to let loose and enjoy yourself, you should remember your best safety practices and follow these valuable tips that can help you avoid a potentially serious injury.

DIVING IN THE SWIMMING POOL

The Fourth of July is usually known for being a hot and sunny holiday, which means trips to the swimming pool are a favorite pastime. If you plan on heading to your local swimming spot, make sure your kids know the rules before jumping in:

  • No running around the pool
  • No diving in the shallow end
  • No horseplay or holding others underwater
  • No using life-saving devices as toys
  • No swimming without an adult

And as always, never leave your kids alone in the pool, even just for a minute. Always make sure they are supervised by a strong swimmer who can react quickly should anything bad happen.

FIRING UP THE GRILL

Plan on barbecuing some burgers or hot dogs? Summer weather is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy your favorite foods with a smoky, charred flavor added. However, barbecues can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Be sure to keep kids well away from a grill while it’s warm, and always be sure to shut off the flame when the grill isn’t being used. Never use a barbecue close to anything flammable, especially something that can catch your house on fire. And finally, go easy on the lighter fluid if you use a charcoal barbecue. Even one stray drop catching fire can cause a serious burn injury should it ignite.

VACATION TIPS

Many people choose to get away for the weekend and head to their favorite camping site, vacation city, and more! This makes the Fourth of July weekend one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Crowded roads means more risk to drivers so be sure to stay alert, get a good night’s rest before traveling, and follow your best safety practices. Don’t follow drivers too close, stay well-clear of semi-trucks and travel at a reasonable speed. This way you can quickly react and avoid any potential obstacles that may get in your path.

ENJOYING FIREWORKS

Fireworks are a favorite pastime to celebrate Independence Day. While many people enjoy going to see a professional fireworks display put on by a local establishment, many others choose to light off their own explosives. If you plan on letting your children use seemingly-benign sparklers, keep in mind they can burn extremely hot and never touch a lit or burning device. Make sure you have a bucket of water ready as well to put out any “dud” units and to douse any potential burn injuries in. It’s also a good idea to hose off your roof before lighting fireworks so no stray sparks will land and potentially catch your home on fire.

BE CAREFUL WITH ALCOHOL

The Fourth of July weekend is also a heavy alcohol consumption time, and many Americans choose to enjoy their time with a few drinks. Alcohol impairs judgment, and combining it with other favorite activities can result in serious injuries fairly quickly. Be sure to drink responsibly if you do choose to enjoy some alcohol and never get behind the wheel of a car if you are in any way intoxicated.

If you are injured this Fourth of July holiday due to the negligence of another, review your legal options with an Augusta personal injury lawyer today! M Austin Jackson can stand up for your rights using more than 70 years of combined experience and thousands of successful case results. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.

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