The 4th of July means parades, cookouts and fireworks. It is fun for everyone, but a few precautions will keep you safe around the grill and fireworks.
Family cookouts are a 4th of July tradition. Keep everyone safe when you fire up the grill. Remember these precautions:
- Keep children and pets away. Establish a 3-foot โKid Free Zoneโ around your grill.
- Use your grill outdoors only. Keep it away from your home, deck furniture and overhanging branches that might catch fire.
- Remove grease or fat from the grill tray so it does not flame up.
- Never leave the grill unattended.
- Grilling and drinking alcohol donโt mix.
As you head outdoors for 4th of July parades and parties, protect your family from the sunโs damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. Patient First physicians have these suggestions to save your skin:
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- Always use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF, even when itโs cloudy. Apply sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before going outside.
- Wide-brimmed hats help shade your neck and face but do not offer complete protection. Use sunscreen on these sensitive skin areas.
- Wear light-weight sun-protective clothing. Long sleeves and long pants help protect skin.
- Wear sunglasses that block UV rays.
Finally, 4th of July fireworks are spectacular. However, they can cause injuries. Here are 5 tips for fireworks safety:
- Sparklers cause most fireworks injuries. They burn at high temperatures and can cause severe burns. Do not let small children handle sparklers and dispose of burned out sparklers in a bucket of water.
- Stay away from ground based โsparklerโ devices. If one does not go off as expected, douse the device with water before approaching.
- Distance is important at public fireworks displays. Do not get too close to the launch site in case something goes wrong.
- Do not pick up fireworks debris at these displays.
- Just like drinking and driving, fireworks and alcohol do not mix.
All Patient First medical centers are open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. on the 4th of July and every day of the year.
