The 4^th of July – the day America became free and independent, is a joyous day celebrated by the entire country. It is a time when families get together and have BBQs, parties, and fireworks. Although these celebrations are fun and exciting, they are a breeding ground for injuries and mishaps.

Considering 4^th of July safety tips is extremely important. Doing so will ensure that you, your family, and friends enjoy a good time on Independence Day. Believe me, you do not want to be the one sustaining injuries and visiting the ER when others are celebrating. Keeping this in mind, here are some tips that will keep you safe and secure during this holiday.

Firework Safety

In terms of safety, the best way to witness and enjoy fireworks is by attending a public firework show organized by professionals. Make sure you maintain a distance of at least 500 feet between yourself and the show. Please follow these guidelines if you are going to spark fireworks at your house:

• Closely follow the instructions on the packaging and keep them away from minors
• Have a first-aid kit and enough water nearby
• Don’t light more than one firework at a time
•  Store your fireworks in a dry and cool place
•  Don’t hurl or aim fireworks towards any property, individual, animal or flammable material.
• Wear eye protection

This year we´re living a different kind of independence day celebration, because of the Coronavirus outbreak and to promote public’s health and safety, the usual waterfront festivities in Palm Beach are canceled. Instead, residents are encouraged to have a “POP” – a party on their porch. The usual city fireworks will be launched from two different undisclosed north and south locations to reach as many people as possible.

Grilling Safety

Statistics show that Americans are getting injured while using gas grills or backyard charcoal. Follow these tips when using your backyard barbecue:

• Keep an eye on your barbecue grill whenever you use it
• Do not use the barbecue grill indoors
• Make sure your pets are away from the grill
• Keep the grill away from anything that could easily catch fire
•  Use cooking tools when grilling to keep yourself safe
• Make sure you shut off the gas if it is a gas powered grill

Beach Safety

We know that in our Palm Beach county, beaches will be closed in an effort to respect social distancing and avoid more COVID-19 cases, please try to stay safe but If you still plan on visiting the beach and swimming in the ocean someplace else, only swim in a beach that has lifeguards on duty. Also swim in the designated area. Some other tips include:

• Be aware of your local weather conditions
• Make sure you are sober when swimming
• Ensure that inexperienced swimmers and children wear a life jacket
• Refrain from diving headfirst into the water
• Keep your eyes on children 

Rip Currents

A large number of deaths on American beaches are attributed to rip currents. A beach with breaking waves has a higher tendency of producing rip currents. Remember this:

• Stay a minimum of 100 feet away from jetties and piers. Permanent and strong rip currents usually exist close to these structures
• If you end up in a rip current, you should swim in a direction parallel to the shore until you swim out of it.

Driving

Traffic increases dramatically over this holiday, as many people are traveling to vacation destinations.

• Always wear a seatbelt and everyone else in your car should too
• Be mindful of drunk drivers on the road (at all times of the day)
• And of course, if you have had too many, call a friend/cab/uber
• Check the pressure and tread of your tires

Follow these safety tips and keep yourself, your family, and your neighbors safe during the holidays.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident. it is very important that you act quickly.  My office will help you collect the evidence, and we will help you file all the necessary paperwork to determine if you can receive fair and adequate compensation for your injuries. Call 561-DASHCAM now.