Red Cross Gives Top Safety Tips For Safe July 4 Weekend

ST. CROIX — The American Red Cross has released some tips aimed at ensuring residents enjoy a safe July 4 weekend. Find them below.

FIREWORKS SAFETY

The best way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Here are five safety steps for people setting fireworks off at home:

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

GRILLING SAFETY

Every year people are injured while using charcoal or gas grills. Here are several steps to safely cook up treats for the backyard barbecue:

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Never grill indoors – not in the house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
• Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.

WATER SAFETY

It’s important to be safe in and out of the water. Here are five tips so that families can have fun in the water while being safe.

• Learn to swim and only swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
• Provide close and constant attention to children and inexperienced swimmers you are supervising in or near the water. Avoid distractions while supervising.
• Limit the amount of direct sunlight received between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15. Reapply often.
• For a backyard pool, have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.

FIRST AID AND CPR/AED COURSE

Learn lifesaving skills that will better prepare you and your family for emergencies. The Preparedness, Health and Safety Services of the Red Cross will offer their Adult CPR and AED course on Wednesday, July 29, 2015 in St. Thomas.

For information about cost and inscription, please call 340-774-0375 or 340-778-5104.

Feature Image: Celebrity chef Bobby Flay teaching President Barack Obama grilling techniques.