Whether you have grilled hot dogs and ice cream, fun in the sun or fireworks on the Fourth of July agenda, don’t forget to keep safety first.
“We want everyone to have fun,” Ashley Henyan with the American Red Cross said. “But we want everyone to make smart decisions.”
In an instant, Independence Day celebrations can turn dangerous and deadly. Fireworks, water and the heat are responsible for thousands of injuries and deaths every summer.
For many families, a holiday weekend means it’s time to hit the road for vacations or other trips. More drivers on the road could mean more crashes.
“With a record number of travelers hitting the roadways this holiday, we want everyone to pack a load of patience for traffic delays and to put safety first by following the posted speed limit, not driving while impaired, making sure all occupants are restrained, and keeping your hands off of your cell phones,” said Col. Mark W. McDonough, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety.
The holiday won’t be a day off for the majority Georgia’s troopers, police officers and firefighters. Public safety agencies are prepared to keep major events safe, such as The AJC Peachtree Road Race, as well as handle typical calls for help.
With planning, the holiday weekend can be a safe one.
“Emergencies don’t discriminate. They can happen any time, any where and on any street,” Henyan said. “They can happen to everybody, so everybody needs to stake the steps to be prepared.”
Fireworks, not fires
With so many fireworks displays around metro Atlanta, police and firefighters advise letting the professionals handle the patriotic displays.
Last year, an estimated 11,000 people were treated for injuries due to fireworks in U.S. emergency rooms, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Around the Fourth of July, about 200 people are injured each day by fireworks. Sparklers, or hand-held fireworks, are responsible for about 25 percent of the injuries, the commission reported.
Additionally, The National Fire Protection Association reports that more than 16,000 reported fires are started by fireworks annually.
For those that insist on using their own fireworks, do so with caution, experts say.
Fireworks safety tips:
• Purchase fireworks from a licensed and reputable vendor.
• Read the directions carefully, and inspect the device for any defects.
• Keep a bucket of water, garden hose and fire extinguisher close by.
• Ignite fireworks outdoors in an open area away from buildings, vehicles, vegetation or any other combustible material.
“Make sure you’re abiding by the state law and that you’re not shooting in the roadway, because that’s illegal,” Sgt. Ashley Henson with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office said.
RELATED: More on Georgia's fireworks laws
Make a splash
Pools and lakes offer relief from the summer heat. But every year, several in metro Atlanta drown, making water a leading cause of death for children.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger. And for every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency treatment for water-related incidents.
During the Memorial Day weekend, five people drowned in Georgia lakes, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and at least two others drowned in local pools.
RELATED: Kickoff to summer turns tragic in Georgia lakes, pools
Drowning is generally quiet, and victims are rarely able to call for help, the CDC says. Plus, a drowning can occur in less than a minute, Henyan said.
Swimming safety tips:
• Provide close and constant attention to children in or near water
• Use the buddy system. Even experienced swimmers should not swim alone.
• Children, inexperienced swimmers and boaters should wear life-jackets
• Swim in an area with a lifeguard when possible.
• Don’t dive. Enter the water feet first.
Beat the heat
High temperatures in metro Atlanta are expected to reach the low 90s through the weekend, according to the Channel 2 Action News weather team. Scattered storms may offer some relief, but the heat can be unhealthy for those outside long periods of time.
Signs of heat stroke include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist, changes in consciousness, vomiting and high body temperature, according to the Red Cross. Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke. And try to cool the person down, such as with wet towels or ice.
Heat safety tips
• Stay hydrated, but avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Don’t leave children or animals in cars, which can quickly reach 120 degrees
• Check on relatives or friends without air conditioning and help them find cooler places when possible
• Plan your outdoor activities carefully, and consider staying indoors during the hottest part of the day
• Wear sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy, and reapply as directed.
