Fourth of July Safety Tips

With the 4th of July festivities beginning  we want to remind our guests and residence of a few safety tips to ensure you experience a Fun and SAFE Holiday weekend.

Stay Safe Behind the Wheel

• Buckle your seat belts.
• Observe speed limits.
• Watch for pedestrians.
• Pay full attention to the road – do not use a cell phone to call or text.
• Use caution in work zones.
• Turn the headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.
• Last but not least, do not drink and drive.

BEACH SAFETY

• Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards.
• While you’re enjoying the water, keep alert and check the local weather conditions.
• 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 at the beach. Wave action can cause 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 animals alone.

RIP CURRENTS  Any beach with breaking waves may have rip currents. Be aware of the danger of rip currents and remember the following:

• If you are caught in a rip current, try not to panic. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, turn and swim toward shore. If you can’t swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are 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

MASTER THE GRILL SAFELY

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Never grill indoors, including the house, camper, tent or any other enclosed area.
• Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from houses, decks, trees and shrubbery or anything else that could catch fire.
• Make sure the chef stays safe by using the long-handled utensils made for cooking on the grill.

SNAP, CRACKLE, POP

The best way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a display put on by professionals. However, if you insist on using fireworks, follow these rules.

• Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
• Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight a “dud.”
• Never throw or point a firework at people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
• Never give fireworks to small children.

Be mindful of your surroundings and if there is an emergency dial 9-1-1 Immediately.