Everyone here at DeShon Laraye Pullen PLC would like to wish you a safe and happy Independence Day weekend! Although the 4th of July is one of our favorite holidays, it is also one of the most dangerous.
Barbecuing, fireworks and alcohol are part of the traditional plans for this weekend, but those three things also account for a lot of the injuries during the 4th of July. Drunk driving, unsafe firework use and grill explosions/burns can quickly end the fun. Here are three tips for keeping your family safe during Independence Day.
Fireworks will send approximately 230 people to ERs this weekend, most with burn injuries. Even seemingly tame fireworks, like sparklers, burn at about 2,000 degrees. Do not allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Period. They will have plenty of fun watching from a safe distance.
Bonus Tip: Secure your pets in a safe setting before firework fun. Fireworks can be terrifying to animals, prompting them to flee and get lost. Unrestrained animals may even attack fireworks and suffer serious burn injuries.
Grilling safety is all about preparation. Well before your plans begin, check your gas grill and propane tank for leaks and/or damage. Many grill-related explosions occur when the grill isn’t working properly and the user circumvents safeguards to make it work.
Drunk driving killed roughly 750 people during the past five Independence Day weekends. While you can safely arrange for a sober driver, many other vehicles on the road will not accept that responsibility. Plan ahead for everything you need for the day in advance – food, drinks, supplies – to minimize your time on roads.
Have fun and be safe!
