By DHHS
Lincoln, NE – However you choose to celebrate Independence Day this year, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) urges you to stay safe using these tips.
Firework Safety
Fireworks are fun, but they can also be dangerous. According to the National Fire Protection Association, thousands of people are injured while using fireworks each year.
When using fireworks, reduce your risk of injury and serious burns by following these safety tips:
- Only buy fireworks from reputable sellers.
- Keep a fire extinguisher and a large bucket of water or hose nearby. After use, soak fireworks in water to reduce the risk of fire.
- Keep all flammable items away from children. This includes sparklers.
- When lighting a firework, do not stand directly over it. Back up immediately after it is lit.
- Never try to relight or handle fireworks that malfunction or do not go off.
- Light one firework at a time and do not point them at people or launch them toward anyone.
Grilling Safety
Hosting a backyard barbecue? To ensure a fun and safe gathering with loved ones, keep these grilling safety tips in mind:
- Only use your grill outside and keep a three-foot safety zone around your grill away from siding, deck rails, and eaves.
- Do not walk away from your grill, fire pit, or patio torches when they are lit.
- Clean your grill after each use. This will remove grease that could start a fire. Exercise caution if using a brush with metal bristles to clean your grill as these bristles can break off and end up in food, posing an ingestion hazard.
- Keep raw meat or poultry packed separately and sealed. All perishables, including meat, poultry, and foods with mayo, eggs, or dairy products, need to be chilled or on ice until ready to use.
- Perishable foods that sit out at room or ambient temperature should be discarded after two hours. If the room or outdoor temperature exceeds 90°F, the food should be discarded after one hour.
Swimming Safety
Taking a dip in a pool or lake is a fun way to escape the Nebraska heat, but there can be serious risks if proper protection is not in place. Prevent accidents by following these swimming tips:
- Always swim with a buddy. Do not let anyone swim alone.
- Never leave young children unattended near water. If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers.
- Have young children or new swimmers wear life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
- Assign a “water watcher” to maintain constant supervision and avoid distraction.
- Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets, and a first aid kit. Know how and when to call 911 or the local emergency number.
Outdoor Safety
If your Independence Day involves simply being outside and enjoying the outdoors, remember to protect yourself from the sun, heat, and bugs.
- Use sunscreen that has at least a sun protection factor (SPF) 30 and UVA and UVB ray protection. For the best sun protection, apply sunscreen 15 minutes before you go outdoors and reapply it approximately every two hours throughout the day, or after swimming.
- Use bug spray, specifically EPA-registered repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil, or IR3535.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
- Do frequent tick checks after being outdoors. If you find a tick, remove it immediately as close to the skin surface as possible using clean, fine-tipped tweezers by pulling away from the skin.
- Drink lots of water and do not wait until you are thirsty to drink. Avoid alcohol and limit drinks with caffeine.
- NEVER leave children or pets alone in a car. The internal temperature of a car can increase rapidly. Cracking a window DOES NOT help slow down the rising temperatures.