Safety Tips for the 4th of July Weekend

The 4th of July is a great time to catch up with family and friends, whether boating, camping or hanging out in the backyard... Let's Keep it Safe! Here are a few tips to help.

The American Red Cross has come up with some great safety tips for the fourth, some may seem like anyone with common sense would know, but if beverages are involved sometimes we can just get stupid. :)

SAFETY TIPS FOR THE FOURTH:

Fireworks: All fireworks are illegal in Fort Collins and the price you will have to pay if caught is high. So the safety tip for fireworks is to avoid them altogether. Violators will face a fine up to $1000. Residents who see or hear fireworks are to call 9-1-1 all other minor disturbances, such as noise disturbances, should be reported to the non-emergency line.

Grilling: Believe it or not many barbecue accidents happen every year. Remember to supervise your grill when it is lit, never grill indoors (or in your tent or camper), keep the grill away from trees and move it away from your home, make sure pets are not jumping up on the grill and use long handled grilling utensils. And always be aware of your fire, it is not a good idea to add lighter fluid to an already burning barbecue fire.

Swimming/Boating: Number one make sure that everyone can swim, are supervised and have life preservers. Don't dive into the lake head first, who knows what is down there. Remember if boating that the same rules apply for drinking and boating as do driving, Rangers will issue a BUI for anyone with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher. And that a BUI can be issued to anyone operating any water vessel, not just a boat. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife will issue, on average, about 20 BUI violations each year.

Sunburn: Limit your direct exposure to the sun between the hours of 10am and 4pm. Always where sunscreen of at least spf 15. During hot weather look for signs of heat stroke-hot red skin, changes in consciousness, rapid weak pulse and/or rapid shallow breathing. If anyone exhibits signs of heat stroke get them to a cool shaded area and call 9-1-1.

How ever you spend your time, remember to be safe, somebody loves you. Happy 4th of July!