Celebrate the July 4th Holiday Safely

American FlagJuly 4th celebrations, cookouts, and fireworks are loads of fun. But they can also be dangerous. Thanks to Patient First for these great safety tips to keep everyone healthy and safe during the celebrations.

By Patient First:

The 4th of July means patriotism, cookouts and fireworks.  You can handle patriotism with the best of them, but a few simple precautions will help keep you safe around the grill and fireworks.

Family cookouts are fun but they can also be dangerous.  Thousands of people are treated for grill related injuries every year.  You don’t have to be one of them if you take some simple safety precautions:

  • Keep children and pets away.  Establish a 3-foot “Kid Free Zone” around your grill.
  • Use your grill outdoors only.  Keep it away from your home, deck furniture and overhanging branches that might catch fire.
  • Remove grease or fat from the grill tray so it does not flame up.
  • Never leave the grill unattended.
  • Grilling and drinking don’t mix.

The 4th of July also means fireworks.  But sparklers and other fireworks can cause serious injuries.  Here are 5 tips for fireworks safety:

  • Sparklers cause most fireworks injuries.  They burn at high temperatures and can cause severe burns.  Do not let small children handle sparklers and dispose of burned out sparklers in a bucket of water.
  • Stay away from ground based “sparkler” devices.  If one does not go off as expected, douse the device with water before approaching.
  • Distance is important at public fireworks displays.  Do not get too close to the launch site in case something goes wrong.
  • Do not pick up fireworks debris at these displays.
  • Just like drinking and driving, fireworks and alcohol do not mix.

Thanks to Patient First for these valuable safety tips!

About Patient First

Patient First currently operates 45 centers in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.  It opened its first facility in Richmond, Virginia in 1981 and developed many automation-based operating systems and practices that were considered innovative at the time and which have been continually improved to meet the needs of today’s patients.