Fourth of July celebrates the mark of America’s independence as a country. To commemorate America’s independence many individuals have Fourth of July bashes including: cook-outs, picnics, parades and of course, fireworks. All of these situations could possibly lead to safety issues. It is important to take specific precautions to protect your own safety as well as those around you.

Below are safety tips and preventative measures you can use to ensure the safety of everyone during your Fourth of July celebrations:

• Be smart about swimming. Never swim alone or leave children unattended during swimming. Also, make sure that when out on boats or other water sport equipment everyone wears appropriate life jackets and that all proper safety equipment is on the vessel.
• Protect yourself from the sun. Avoid sunburns and potential skin cancer by applying sunscreen to everyone, including yourself. Also, if you are on medications and plan to be out in the sun for long periods of time, double check to make sure your prescription does not have a sun reactivity risk.
• Cover all food and beverages to avoid attracting bees and wasps. A sting caused by a bee or wasp is no fun. An allergy to bee or wasp stings can be dangerous.
• Stay hydrated, and keep others, especially children, hydrated. All of the fun and hustle and bustle can be distracting. Make sure to take time to eat and drink plenty of liquids. Also, make sure the children of your group are doing the same.
• Avoid the boom of dangerous fireworks. While attending a professional fireworks show is much less hazardous, many individuals enjoy lighting off their own. If fireworks are legal in your area and you plan on lighting some off,  clear the area and keep spectators at a great distance. Also, make sure that fireworks and all flammables are out of the reach of children.

Fourth of July is right around the corner next week. Make it a safe and fun holiday with the above tips. To learn more about Fourth of July and find other great safety tips, visit here.