Are you ready for your 4th of July celebrations – the backyard barbecue or a drive to the beach and even some fireworks? Whatever you plan, Ed Cantu Insurance Agency wants you to enjoy your holiday so please remember these steps to keep you safe. Whether your 4th of July involves fireworks, grilling or going to the beach, lake or river, there are safety tips you should follow.
FIREWORKS SAFETY- The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show. Remember that Corpus Christi and most local cities outlaw the use of personal fireworks. If you choose to do so anyway, be prepared to pay a fine and please follow these safety steps:
* Always supervise a barbecue grill or pit when in use.
* Never grill indoors – not in your house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
* Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill or pit.
* Keep the grill or pit 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.
* Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
* Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.
BEACH (water) SAFETY- If your visit to the beach or favorite water whole includes swimming, you should learn how to swim in the surf and swim at a life-guarded area when possible, and within the designated swimming area. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Other safety tips:
* Keep alert for local weather conditions. Check to see if any warning signs or flags are posted.
* Swim sober and always swim with a buddy.
* Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
* Protect your neck – don’t dive headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters.
* Keep a close eye and constant attention on children and adults while in the water. Wave action can cause you or someone to lose their footing, even in shallow water.
* Watch out for aquatic life. Water plants and animals may be dangerous. Avoid patches of plants and leave fish and animals alone.
RIP CURRENTS- Rip currents are responsible for deaths on our beaches every year, and for most of the rescues performed by lifeguards. Any beach with breaking waves may have rip currents. Be aware of the danger of rip currents and remember the following this:
* If you or someone is caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until out of the current. Once free, you should turn and swim toward shore. If you can’t swim to the shore, you should float or tread water until free of the rip current and then head toward shore.
* Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist near these structures. Additional water safety tips are available at redcross.org/watersafetytips
SUN PROTECTION- Limit exposure to direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15. Reapply sunscreen often. Remember to drink plenty of water regularly, even if not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that will absorb 100 percent of UV sunlight. Protect your feet – the sand can burn them, and glass and other sharp objects can cut them. Watch for signs of heat stroke—hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing. If it’s suspected someone is suffering from heat stroke:
* Call 9-1-1 and move the person to a cooler place.
* Quickly cool the body by applying cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin (or misting it with water) and fanning the person.
* Watch for signs of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.
DOWNLOAD FIRST AID APP Another thing you can do is download the free Red Cross first aid app which puts expert advice for everyday emergencies at someone’s fingertips. The app is available for direct download from the Apple or Google Play for Android app stores.
PROTECT YOUR PETS- Don’t forget our furry friends. According to an article I read by Yahaira Cespeds from Pet M.D., the American Humane Association reports that July 5th is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters. Unlike people, pets don’t associate the noise, flashes and burning smell of pyrotechnics with celebrations. Pets are terrified of fireworks and often panic at the loud whizzes and bangs they produce. Help your Pets by doing the following:
* Keep your pets indoors and turn up the TV or radio volume to reduce the firework noise.
* Don’t take them to a Fireworks Display.
* Have your pet properly Identified in case they get out.
Because We Care!
Ed
Ed Cantu Insurance