Stars, stripes, and safety tips: Celebrate the Fourth without a fuse

WASHINGTON (TND) — Independence Day is upon us and Americans across the nation are already enjoying Fourth of July festivities.

From viewing spectacular fireworks to relaxing at pool parties and spending hours at the beach, there are plenty of options for fun in the sun.

But authorities want you to celebrate our country's independence safely. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy a safe -- but sizzling -- Fourth of July.

Fireworks

When it comes to fireworks, authorities said it's best to leave shows to professional pyrotechnics.

Approximately 230 people visit emergency rooms daily in the weeks before, during and after July 4th, because of fireworks-related injuries, according to MedStar Health, with more than half of the injuries affecting hands and fingers.

"Fireworks can turn a celebration into a nightmare in the blink of an eye," Curtis National Hand Center hand surgeon, Raymond Wittstadt, MD, said in a news release. “Unfortunately, the hand often bears the brunt of the damage, ranging from burns to the traumatic injuries and amputations. We can reattach fingers but only if the finger is intact and there’s somewhere to replant it. My advice? Your hands are irreplaceable. Leave fireworks shows to the experts."

The nonprofit said firecrackers, bottle rockets, sparklers, and other pyrotechnics, are among the leading culprits for emergency room visits.

"Even seemingly harmless sparklers, which are often handed over to children, can burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees -- hot enough to melt metal,"MedStar Health noted.

If you are using fireworks, MedStar Health advised the public to never give fireworks to young children, never throw or point a firework toward anyone or anything, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.

"Older children should only use fireworks under close adult supervision,"MedStar Health noted, as well as said to:

• Avoid buying fireworks packaged in brown paper. These are often made for professional displays and may pose additional dangers.
• Ensure fireworks are legal in your area before purchasing or using them.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully ignited.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• Douse spent fireworks with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding them to prevent trash fires.

Cookouts

Whether you plan to celebrate at a daytime cookout or around a firepit after the sun sets, have a fire extinguisher nearby -- and be sure you know how to use it.

ADT Inc., a security company, said to make sure your grill is clean and working properly, as well as check for holes, leaks, cracks, or grease build-up that could cause a grill fire.

Stay away from the house! Having your grill on the deck is probably convenient, but it may not be in your best interest. Try and have your grill at least 10 feet away from the house if possible.

Do not leave food out in the hot sun. Keep perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs.

ADT also advised grillers to "keep a tidy grill station" and remove any "unnecessary" items near the grill, including decorations, dirty utensils, or hand towels.

"Whether these accessories are flammable or not, it’s just not worth the risk of something getting in the way and causing an accident," according to ADT.

Plus, do not leave food sitting outside in the hot sun. Use coolers filled with ice or freezer gel packs.

Beaches, Boats & Pools

Where there are beaches, boats and pools, water safety is the top priority.

It's no secret adults should supervise children who are swimming, with The American Red Cross urging parents to "provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising in or near water."

The nonprofit also said children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.

"If you plan to swim in the ocean, a lake or river, be aware that swimming in these environments is different than swimming in a pool," according to the nonprofit. "Be sure you have the skills for these environments. Swim only at a beach with a lifeguard, within the designated swimming area. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards and ask them about local conditions."

Only swim or operate a boat sober, said The American Red Cross, and always swim with a friend.

"Know your limitations and make sure you have enough energy to swim back to shore," the nonprofit noted. "If you are caught in a rip current, try not to panic. Signal to those on shore that you need assistance. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, swim toward the 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."

Pets

Pets need special attention on July 4th.

Camp Bow Wow, an animal organization, said you and your pet/s should avoid crowded events, unfamiliar locations, or firework displays.

"Instead, put your pet in the quietest room of the house with something to block the outside sounds like a fan or calming music," Camp Bow Wow said.

The sudden sights and sounds of fireworks can be unsettling for some dogs, with many running away out of fear.

"It’s usually like a backyard BBQ and the neighbor lets off some fireworks and your dog is outside going potty,” Brandi DeNoon-Damewood, of the Jefferson County Humane Society, said. “All of a sudden, your dog finds a way out of the fence because fight or flight and he decided flight.”

Whether it’s the smell, noise, or flashes of light, your dog may exhibit symptoms such as anxiety, panting, shaking, drooling, hiding, or whining. In some cases, dogs may even experience seizures.

So, how can you make the experience easier for your pet?

DeNoon-Damewood agreed that white noise -- such as keeping a TV on or playing music -- can help.

“Something calming, relaxing. Get them cozy in their spot, especially if you’re leaving to go see the fireworks. Getting them set up so that they will be OK," she said.

It’s recommended that you keep your pets indoors during fireworks displays. Comforting them by providing toys and snacks as well as covering windows to reduce the impact of flashing lights and loud noises may help ease their anxieties.

"And some animals just really will not respond to any of that and are just so terrified,” DeNoon-Damewood said. “And with that, I always recommend going to see your vet.”

Veterinarians may prescribe medication or recommend CBD products to help alleviate your pet's anxiety. DeNoon-Damewood pointed out that the week before and after July 4 sees the highest numbers of dogs running away from home.

"Within these two weeks, we have 40% more dogs coming in than we normally do on a regular basis. So, it’s a dramatic jump.”

DeNoon-Damewood suggested getting your pets microchipped so it's easier to find them if they run away. If your pet is not microchipped, make sure to check all the local shelters.

Tourismus

Nearly 71 million travelers will be hitting the road July 1 through July 8 to celebrate, according to AAA.

“Americans are embracing the opportunity to travel over the Independence Day holiday in record-breaking numbers,” Bevi Powell, who is the senior vice president of AAA East Central, said in a release. “Whether by car, plane, or train, we are seeing more people planning extended trips over the holiday to celebrate with family and friends.”

AAA said most of the travelers -- 60.6 million -- plan to drive. That's why drivers should prepare ahead of time and anticipate traffic.

"INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, says the worst times to travel by car before and on July 4th are between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.," according to the release. "Drivers should hit the road in the morning, and travelers returning on Monday, July 8th should avoid rush hour traffic in the morning and afternoon."

AAA also said the number of air travelers is also expected to set a record.

"AAA projects 5.74 million people will fly to their July 4th destinations. That’s an increase of nearly 7% compared to last year and a 12% increase over 2019. AAA booking data shows domestic airfare is 2% cheaper this Independence Day week compared to last year, and the average price for a domestic roundtrip ticket is $800. Airports will be packed throughout the week. AAA recommends arriving 2 hours early, reserving parking ahead of time, and traveling with carry-on luggage versus checked bags to save time and money."

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EDITOR'S NOTE: WTOV contributed to this report.