Helpful Tips for a Safe 4th

Helpful Tips for a Safe 4th
  • Opening Intro -

    Happy Independence Day!

    Today is a day that is filled with fun including parades, barbecues, concerts and fireworks.

-------------------------------------

It is also a day where safety is an issue, especially if you have access to fireworks. Let’s take a look at several safety concerns to be mindful of, tips that can ensure that you and your loved ones have a safe and sane holiday.

Grill it until it is done — Backyard barbecues are popular on the 4th, with grills fired up to handle chicken, hot dogs and other meats. Undercooked meats can be a problem causing diarrhea, fever and in extreme cases death. Beef steaks should be cooked to at least 145 degrees and poultry to 175 degrees. Hold hot foods at temperatures of at least 140 degrees advises the USDA.

Keep it on ice — Refrigerated foods can quickly attract bacteria when temperatures top 40 degrees, therefore keep these items cold or skip using them completely. Your visitors may want mayonnaise on their burgers, but this can quickly become a problem if served in hot conditions. Raw milk, eggs, raw sprouts and unpasteurized juices can cause problems too.

Cover it up — Skin cancer can develop over time and typically follows longer exposures to ultraviolet radiation. Wear clothing to inspect exposed skin, apply a sunscreen with a protective rating of SPF 15 or higher and one that includes both UVA and UVB protection. Wearing wide-brimmed hats and avoiding the mid-day sun are additional recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control.

Swim with care — Hot temperatures mean you’ll be seeking ways to cool off. A pool, lake or beach trip can go far in providing relief, but can present a danger if the chosen venue is not a safe one. Never swim alone, preferably choosing a place where a lifeguard is present. At the shore, be mindful of rip currents and never swim beyond the line of site of the lifeguards.

Keep pets inside — Loud noises, particularly fireworks, can upset your pets. Cats and dogs should not be outside when lighting firecrackers as the loud noises can cause panic and distress. Keep your furry friends in a quiet room inside of your home and turn up the a/c to keep them cool and calm.

Know local fireworks lawsState laws for fireworks vary and in some cases local communities impose their own restrictions. Know the law and only have responsible adults light fuses. Provide ample room between you and spectators; avoid lighting fireworks if local conditions are exceptionally dry.

Above all, have a happy and safe Independence Day celebration.

Consumer Tips reference:

budget planning and management

 
SaleBestseller No. 1
American Flag USA Patriotic Design Plastic Shutter Glasses Shades Sunglasses Eyewear for Party Props, Decoration (12 Pairs)
114 Reviews
American Flag USA Patriotic Design Plastic Shutter Glasses Shades Sunglasses Eyewear for Party Props, Decoration (12 Pairs)
  • Wear these to your next patriotic festive event or a simple BBQ on the 4th of July, perfect for any American! Make any event more colorful with these...
  • Designed with a detailed USA flag pattern on each horizontal shutter style lens. Made from a light weight plastic and does not alter vision. Also...
  • A fun addition to party favors, these shuttering shades will be a hit. Place these in goody bags or around your party space as fun photo props that...
Bestseller No. 2
Big Dot of Happiness 4th of July - Flag and Star Lawn Decorations - Outdoor Fourth of July Party Yard Decorations - 10 Piece
  • Outdoor 4th of July Lawn Decorations INCLUDES 10 coordinating 4th of July yard decorations: 4 Flag shapes and 6 Star shapes; and 20 sturdy metal...
  • PERFECT FOR ANY LOCATION! 4th of July Yard Signs SIZE Flag 12.5 inches x 9 inches; Star 10 inches x 10 inches. Vibrant red, white and blue...
  • EASY TO USE: Flag and Star Lawn Decorations are professionally printed and cut, making assembly quick and easy. Simply insert two heavy-duty metal...
Bestseller No. 3
4th of July Party Supplies Paper Plates Luncheon Size Flag Stars and Stripes 16 Count 7 inch Square
  • See our matching items for a complete party set. You get 8 plates with stars and 8 plates with stripes!
  • Must have party supplies. Pretty and easy.
  • Colorful party supplies add panache to a party. Made by Caspari, fine quality.

Last update on 2020-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

 

end of post idea for home improvement

 

Helpful article? Leave us a quick comment below.
And please give this article a rating and/or share it within your social networks.

facebook linkedin pinterest

Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: SayEducate.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The commission earnings are used to defray our cost of operation.

View our FTC Disclosure for other affiliate information.

Categories: Home Tips

About Author

Matthew C. Keegan

Matt Keegan is a freelance writer and editor as well as publisher of "Matt's Musings", his personal blog. Matt covers campus, consumer, business and financial topics on various websites and blogs, and has been published in the "Houston Chronicle", "Sam's Club Magazine" and "Wisconsin Golfer".