Stay Safe & Stay Active This July 4th!

Happy Fourth of July! Be sure to stay safe while having fun. Here are some helpful reminders for staying out of harm’s way.

Pandemic Safety

• Statistics show the country is experiencing the lowest number of COVID-19 daily cases in almost a year! And we want to keep it that way! Be sure to follow all state and local requirements for wearing masks and social distancing.
• Wearing a mask is required for everyone on planes, buses, trains, and other public transportation.
• After traveling or being in a large group, self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.
• You do NOT need to get tested or self-quarantine if you are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 3 months.
• Daily cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces can help prevent many types of illnesses and keep you enjoying summer fun!
• Stay home if you’re sick!

Be Safe While Being Active

• Choose types of physical activity that are appropriate for your current fitness level.
• Increase physical activity gradually over time to meet your key guidelines or health goals. Inactive people should “start low and go slow” by starting with lower intensity activities and gradually increasing how often and how long activities are done.
• Protect yourself by using appropriate gear and sports equipment, choosing safe environments, following rules and policies, and making sensible choices about when, where, and how to be active.
• Be under the care of a health care provider if you have chronic conditions or symptoms. People with chronic conditions and symptoms can consult a health care professional about the types and amounts of activity appropriate for them.

Fireworks Safety

• Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Pets are more sensitive to loud noises than most humans. Consider leaving your pets safely indoors (even outdoor pets), preferably with a radio or TV turned on to mask jarring noises. If your pet is extremely scared by fireworks, ask your veterinarian about medications and techniques that may help alleviate anxiety.
• Make sure your pet has a collar with easily readable ID tags or is microchipped if possible. This will make it easier to reunite with your animal if it gets scared and bolts.
• Fireworks are extremely common triggers for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) in combat veterans and victims of gun violence. Please be courteous! Consider your neighbors when setting off fireworks and don’t fire them off late at night or near other homes. Notify your neighbors if you’re planning on celebrating with loud fireworks.

Grilling Safety

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use and directly after use when the surface is still very hot.
• Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Never grill indoors — not in the house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
• Make sure everyone, stays away from the grill, including children and pets. Food particles and smells can attract animals to a hot grill during and after grilling. Take appropriate precautions.
• Keep the grill away from the house or anything that could catch fire. 
• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill.

Water Safety

• Talk to your children, including older youth and teenagers, about water safety. Insure they have swimming skills and know how to help others.
• If you choose to go into the water, make sure the area is designated for swimming and has lifeguards on duty.
• Don’t share goggles, nose clips, snorkels or other personal items as this can possibly spread illness unless they are thoroughly sanitized in between uses.
• Designate a water watcher whose sole responsibility is to supervise people during any in-water activity until the next person takes over.
• Inflatable pools can be a great way to have fun. Drain the water from the pool and flip it over after swim time is over.

Road Trip Safety

• Be well rested and alert before taking to the road.
• Use your seat belts and observe speed limits.
• Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
• Just before you leave on your trip, clean your vehicle’s lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
• Use caution in work zones. This is for your protection as well as workers.
• Don’t follow other vehicles too closely.
• Make frequent stops along the way on an extended trip. It’s important to walk around and do a few simple stretches.
• Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, and during inclement weather.
• Don’t let your vehicle’s gas tank get too low. If you have car trouble, pull as far as possible off the highway.
• Carry an emergency kit in your trunk.
• Let someone know where you are going, your route and when you expect to get there. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
• If you plan on drinking alcohol, designate a driver who won’t drink!

Weather Safety

• Know the weather forecast for your area before heading out on an adventure. Be aware of your surroundings and changing weather patterns.
• Get inside as soon as you hear thunder. Run to a substantial building or hard-topped metal vehicle as fast as possible.
• If you can’t get to a safe building or vehicle, avoid open areas. Don’t be the tallest object in the area since lightning tends to strike taller objects.
• Stay away from isolated tall trees, towers, or utility poles.
• Stay away from metal conductors such as wires or fences. Metal doesn’t attract lightning, but lightning can travel long distances through it.
• Cardiac arrest is the immediate cause of death for lightning strike victims. They need immediate first aid in order to survive a strike. They do not carry an electrical charge and are safe to touch.
• To help a lightning strike victim, first call 9-1-1. Begin CPR if you are trained. You may need to use an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) if one is available.
• Don’t be a victim. If possible, move the strike victim to a safter place. Lightning CAN strike twice.
• If you are organizing an outdoor activity, have a lightning safety plan and make people in your group aware of it.
• If you hear thunder, speak up. Tell others it’s time to get to a safe building or vehicle. You could save a life!