Stay safe this 4th of July with these tips (for your pets as well)

The 4th of July is always a fun-filled holiday, as folks get together and cook out, spend time outdoors, enjoy some libations and watch a fireworks show.

However, amidst all the fun, there are also some dangers involved in these activities. So be sure to remember these safety tips:

1. Firework safety

This week, Huntsville Fire Marshal Dan Wilkerson provided some valuable safety tips in regard to the use of fireworks:

• Never give fireworks to young children.
• Have a working hose and/or bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket or hold lighted fireworks in your hand.
• Never shoot fireworks from a metal or glass container.
• Keep spectators at a safe distance and never aim or throw fireworks at another person
• Never place any part of your body directly over a firework – even when lighting.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Stay sober. Never mix fireworks with alcohol or drug consumption.
• Never approach or try to re-ignite a firework that doesn’t light the first time.

Heat safety

Before heading outside this week, make sure to take some advice from the National Weather Service. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
• Dress for summer. Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
• Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.
• Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air conditioned environment affords some protection.
• Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult.

Pet safety

Don’t forget that your pets need to stay safe this weekend as well. As many dog owners know, fireworks and dogs are often a bad mix. So be mindful of your four-legged friends during 4th of July celebrations.

Consider these pet safety tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association:

• Leave your pets at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays, parades and other gatherings. Loud fireworks, unfamiliar places and crowds can all be very frightening to pets, and there’s great risk of pets becoming spooked and running away.
• Consider putting your pets in a safe, escape-proof room or crate during parties and fireworks.
• Keep horses and livestock in safely fenced areas and as far from the excitement and noise as possible.
• If you’re hosting guests, ask them to help keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don’t escape. Placing notes on exit doors and gates can help both you and your guests remain vigilant.
• Keep your pets inside if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks.
• Keep sparklers, glow sticks, fireworks, charcoal and kabob skewers away from curious pets.
• Don’t let pets get near your barbecue grill while it is in use or still hot.

Have a safe and fun Independence Day! And don’t forget to follow Hville Blast on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.