July 4th: Red Cross offers safety tips for a harmless holiday

The Fourth of July is around the corner, and many people may spend the day celebrating by the water or enjoying a fireworks display. The Red Cross is sharing tips to help celebrate safely.

FIREWORKS SAFETY 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports as many as 14,700 people were injured by fireworks in 2024, and burns were the most common injury. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public show put on by professionals. If you choose to set fireworks off at home, follow safety tips:

• Have a bucket of water, garden hose or fire extinguisher handy. Consider wetting down the surrounding grass and other vegetation before lighting your fireworks.
• Douse used fireworks with water to make sure they are completely extinguished.
• Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
• Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Never use fireworks around pets and keep them indoors. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma, and many pets are also fearful of loud noises and can become lost, scared or disoriented.

WATER SAFETY 

Every day, an average of 11 people in the U.S. die from unintentional drowning, and one in five of those are children 14 or younger according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Red Cross encourages individuals and families to know critical safety knowledge and skills that could save your life in and around the water.

• Designate a “water watcher” to keep a close eye and constant attention on children and weaker swimmers in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.
• Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
• Teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
• Don’t dive in headfirst – protect your neck. Check for water depth and obstructions before diving and go in feet first the first time.
• If at a beach or water park, make sure lifeguards are on duty before you go in the water and follow all their instructions.
• Swimming in the ocean, a lake or river is different than swimming in a pool. Be sure you have the skills for these environments.
• Use waterproof sunscreen before leaving home and reapply during the day and drink plenty of fluids.

HEAT SAFETY 

The American Red Cross recommends taking three steps in extreme heat – stay hydrated, stay cool and stay connected. Extreme heat can happen anywhere and be deadly for anyone.

• Stay hydrated by drinking a cup of water every 20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
• Stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned places. If your home is too hot, go to a mall, library or cooling center.
• Stay connected by checking on others and asking for help if you need it. Make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade.
• Watch for warning signs of heat illnesses, which can include heavy sweating, cramps, weakness, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Some people are at higher risk of getting sick because their bodies have a harder time staying cool. This includes older adults, children, pregnant women, people who take medication and people with chronic conditions or disabilities.

DOWNLOAD APPS 

The free Red Cross Emergency app can help you and your loved ones stay safe with real-time alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety information. The free Red Cross First Aid app provides instant access to information on handling the most common emergencies. Download these apps for free by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or visiting redcross.org/apps.