Safe Fourth of July Celebrations

When the Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is mentioned, most people think of fireworks. They will not be mentioned in this article because there are so many things you can do to make them safer, that they require another article to fully articulate their safety measures. But there are also other activities people participate in during this time, such as swimming, picnicking, and enjoying the sun. Unfortunately, there are dangers to be found in all these activities. With preparation these dangers can be limited and everyone can enjoy a happy day, relaxing with their loved ones.

The sun is really hot in July and those UV rays can really fry your skin and might even give you cancer. Wear sun block with a minimum of SPF 15 whenever you're outdoors, even if you have darker skin. Put it on about a half hour before you go outside and keep applying the sun block while you're outdoors. It can rub or sweat off. Wearing a hat with a brim and sunglasses are also good ideas. Cotton clothing with a tight weave can also keep the sun off your skin.

Swimming is a great way to cool off and enjoy the hot sun. But it can be very unsafe. You should never swim alone, and be sure that someone is designated the official chaperone of the children who are swimming. A lot of children who drown were only left alone for less than five minutes and even in as shallow as an inch deep of water, a child can drown.

If there will be boating, review safety practices with everyone. Wear life vests and never drink and drive the boat.

And while we're on that subject, please drink responsibly if you will be consuming alcohol at your party. Don't drink and operate machinery (like a car) and don't drink and light fireworks. Remember that children's bodies are much more profoundly affected by alcohol and that children imitate their adult role models. Be sure to gather up any extra cups of alcohol and dump them out before little hands can get to them.

As for your food, keep it in the shade. Don't leave your picnic foods out for more than an hour in 90 degree Fahrenheit, and two hours in cooler temperature. Foods that need to be kept cold should be kept at a maximum of 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It's preferable that they should be in a cooler with ice or ice packs while they are at the picnic.

Be sure that all your picnic foods are cooked to the proper temperature. You may wish to take a meat thermometer with you if you're going to have a barbecue.

Like fireworks, young children should be kept away from the grill. There's no reason why they should be near it, so keep them safe and out of the way of all that hot food being moved around.

So keep these things in mind and read the other article on firework safety and you should be set for a great Fourth of July!