Holiday Safety

Celebrate Safely!

Next week is the 4th of July. The celebration of our county's Independence. Boy do we know how to celebrate this one!
There will be Backyard BBQs, Lakeside picnics, Beachfront bonfires. And Fireworks. Lots and lots of Fireworks.  
There is no end to the possibilities when we celebrate our Country! 
But with holiday fun can come liability and safety concerns. 
   How about that Backyard BBQ you are hosting? Are you a Master Griller? More importantly, are you a SAFE master griller? Check out this Grill tip sheet for safe grilling. Are you serving alcohol? If so, do you know how your guests are getting home? You can be held liable for a drunk driving accident if you knowingly served an already drunk person.  Think about asking someone to be a designated driver. Or just invite neighbors who will be walking home anyway. And don't forget the bug spray. They are brutal this time of year!
   How about going to the lake for that all day family picnic? Plan on having a few beers? Great! have a few- but do you know how you are getting home safely?  Have a contingency plan. Again- a designated driver will work well. Keep an eye on anyone swimming in the lake, especially kids. Do you know CPR? Maybe you should print out this 3-step CPR guide, just in case. Grill safely here too, and don't forget the bug spray. They are brutal this time of year!
   How about that Beach front bonfire? Is there a better way to spend the 4th? I think this would be my favorite way to celebrate. The waves, the sand, the horizon. Add in good friends and family and WOW!
Grilling safely will be important here also. If you are drinking, again- a contingency plan for getting home safely is a good idea. You may want to check out how to safely build a bonfire. Make sure you put it out entirely before you leave! And don't forget the bug spray. They are brutal this time of year!
   Then there are fireworks. I know so many people like to set their own fireworks off. My suggestion? Leave it to the experts! When I was young, one of my older brothers had a friend who set off a Roman Candle - right into his stomach! Talk about pain, not to mention scarring!

We live in a great country and we should celebrate the 4th of July in BOLD ways. 
But please celebrate SAFELY!