Don’t Be A Statistic This July 4th: Red Cross Offers Swimming, Grilling, Driving Tips

By Eric Kiefer
Patch Staff

It’s almost time for the long Fourth of July weekend and many people will spend part of their holiday weekend firing up the backyard grill, traveling or enjoying one of New Jersey’s many pools and beaches.

For some, the holidays mean fireworks, which can pose their own hazards. But some of the most common safety faux pas are lurking in the activities that make the holiday fun.

• See related article: The 2016 New Jersey Fireworks Guide

The American Red Cross is offering a series of steps everyone can follow to safely enjoy the holiday weekend.

WATER SAFETY

Many New Jerseyans may be planning swimming and other water-related activities for the Fourth of July. The Red Cross encourages everyone to make water safety a priority as they enjoy pools or any of the state’s beaches, lakes and rivers.

• Ensure everyone in your family knows how to swim and only swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
• For a backyard pool, have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.
• If someone plans to swim in the ocean, they should always check weather conditions before going in the water.
• Be aware of the danger of rip currents. If caught in one, swim parallel to the shore until out of the current. When free, turn and swim toward shore. If unable to swim to the shore, call out for help, float or tread water until free of the rip current and then head toward shore.

GRILLING SAFETY

Every year people are injured while using charcoal or gas grills. Here are several steps to safely cook up treats for the backyard barbecue:

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Never grill indoors – not in the 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.

HIGHWAY SAFETY

Millions of people will be on the highways over the Fourth of July weekend. The Red Cross offers these five things everyone should do to stay safe while traveling:

• Buckle seat belts, observe speed limits.
• Do not drink and drive.
• Pay full attention to the road – don’t use a cell phone to call or text.
• Use caution in work zones.
• Clean the vehicle’s lights and windows to help the driver see, especially at night. Turn the headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.

Sign up for Patch NJ email newsletters here.

Photo: Flickr Commons