By Samantha Pudelski, American Red Cross volunteer

Fourth of July plans usually include fireworks, barbeques, and spending time near
water to stay cool in the warm July sun. Whether you plan to do all of these things or
just one of them, the American Red Cross wants you to enjoy a safe and fun fourth of
July holiday. Think of these four areas of safety this holiday weekend:

1. Fireworks Safety
    The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by attending a public firework show that
   is put on by professionals.
    If you are planning to set off fireworks at home, make sure to:
   o Light fireworks at a safe distance from people, animals, structures,
   vehicles or anything that is flammable. Do not point or throw
   fireworks anyone or anything.
   o Never give fireworks to small children.
   o Follow the instructions on the fireworks packaging.
   o Have a supply of water close as a precaution.
   o If you the person lighting the fireworks, wear eye protection.
   o Only light one firework at a time. Never attempt to relight a “dud.”
   o Store fireworks away from children and pets, in a cool, dry place.
    There are many free community fireworks displays throughout Northern
   Ohio planned for the July 4 th weekend. Visit your city’s website for details or
   the links below to find fireworks displays near you.
   o Northern Ohio area fireworks
   o Youngstown area fireworks
   o Northwest Ohio, Southeast Michigan area fireworks
   
   
2. Water Safety
    Anyone near water, whether it is a pool, lake, water park or other body of
   water, should know how to swim.
    At minimum, everyone should have water competency, meaning they can
   enter the water, take a breath, stay afloat, change positions, swim for a
   distance and get out of the water safely.
    Always swim in an area where lifeguards are on duty.
    Get out of the water at the first sign of thunder or lightning. Stay indoors and
   away from water at least 30 minutes after the last streak of lightning or roar
   of thunder.
    Watch children in or near the water closely and constantly.
    Pools and spas should be fenced with adequate, four-sided fencing.
    Children and inexperienced swimmers should wear a properly fitted U.S.
   Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Everyone on a boat should wear a life
   jacket, regardless of their ability to swim.

 If swimming in an open body of water, such as a lake, river or ocean, make
sure to swim with a buddy and walk carefully into open waters.
 If you get caught in a rip current, stay calm and try not to panic. Signal to
those on shore that you need help. Swim parallel to the shore until free of the
current and then swim towards the shore.

3. Grilling Safety
    Grilling sparks more then 10,000 home fires each year.
    Always supervise a barbeque grill when it’s being used.
    Never grill indoors or in any enclosed area.
    Make sure people and pets stay away from the grill.
    Keep the grill away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that
   could catch fire.
    Never add charcoal-started fluid to coals that have already been lit.
   
   
4. Heat Safety
    Stay hydrated – drink enough water to help prevent heat illness.
    Make a plan to stay cool during the hottest parts of the day.
    Gather emergency supplies – create a kit for your home and when you’re on
   the go.
    Learn how to recognize and respond to heat illness. Learn CPR and first aid.

Bonus Number 5: Have some Free Time this Fourth of July? Donate Blood and
See a Movie

This July, The Red Cross, has teamed up with Universal Pictures’ new film,
TWISTERS to help avoid a summer blood shortage. Anyone who comes to give blood
or platelets with the Red Cross between July 1 and July 31 will get a Fandango Movie
Ticket via email. Learn more about the partnership and get more details here.

Posted by Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer