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 Queen’s North Hawai’i 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
