NHCH Offers Fourth of July Safety Tips

HOSPITAL OFFERS FOURTH OF JULY SAFETY TIPS

Fourth of July celebrations are just around the corner.  For lots of us, that means fireworks, barbecues, and maybe a trip to the beach. Whatever you have planned, the staff at North Hawaii Community Hospital wants you to be safe and offers the following tips to keep a trip to the emergency room off the holiday list.

FIREWORKS SAFETY 

• Follow directions on all fireworks and don’t use them for anything other than what they’re intended for
• Never give fireworks to small children
• Never throw or point fireworks toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials
• Don’t alter or combine fireworks
• Never use homemade fireworks
• Have water available when lighting fireworks
• Keep spectators a safe distance away
• Make sure that whoever is lighting fireworks is sober and wearing safety glasses
• Never try to relight a firework that appear to be a “dud”
• Dispose of all firework materials by soaking in water before putting in the trash
• Keep fireworks and sparklers away from clothing and other flammable materials
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public professional fireworks show

PET PRECAUTIONS

• Don’t take your pets to fireworks displays
• Don’t leave your pets unattended outside during fireworks
• Consider leaving the TV or radio on so your pets won’t hear the fireworks

GRILLING AND FOOD SAFETY 

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from anything that could catch fire, and never grill in an enclosed area
• Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited
• Beware of outdoor food spoilage – keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold

BEACH SAFETY 

• Be alert to water conditions, such as water depth and ocean currents, and check with lifeguards
• Swim sober and always swim with a buddy
• Protect the neck – don’t dive headfirst
• Keep constant attention on children while at the beach

SUN PROTECTION 

• Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15 and reapply often
• Drink plenty of water and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine that will dehydrate you
• Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that absorb 100 percent UV sunlight
• Protect your feet from burning sand and broken glass