Summer Holiday Tips

Summer is a time for family barbecues, fireworks and celebrations. The American Red Cross encourages you to take these helpful tips to ensure a safe and happy summer:

Firework safety: Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
Keep a supply of water close-by as a precaution.
Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

Safe Grilling:Make sure safety is a key ingredient at your barbecue by reading the following tips for safer grilling:
Use gas and charcoal barbecue grills outside only.
Position grills far from siding, deck railings, overhanging branches and house eaves.
Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
When using the grill, always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.