Cookouts, swimming, sparklers, fireworks…Sounds like the 4^th of July is here. The 4^th of July is not only about traditional fun but, it is also traditionally the holiday known for the most fires.  There is more than $35,000,000 per year in fire damages nationally. These fires are due to fireworks and decorations that are accentuated with fireworks. Here are some tips to help lower the chances of fires starting at your holiday cookout.

• Have a hose and water buckets close by

• Have a fire extinguisher ready at all times

• Alcohol is a holiday favorite. Make sure to keep it away from children and animals. Also, keep it away from any kind of fire.

• Make sure that all the fireworks/sparklers are completely put out before throwing them away. You don’t want them to relight when no one is around.

• When you are decorating the outside of your house for the 4^th, make sure the area that you are setting off your fireworks at is a safe distance away from your decorations…Also make sure this area is away from bushes, dry grass, and trees.

• STAY AWAY FROM ILLEGAL FIREWORKS. They are illegal because of the increased risk of danger for you and your family.

Other 4^th of July safety tips for families

• Apply sunscreen- If you are going to be outside all day, make sure you apply before and during your party.

• Cover food and drinks outdoors- No one wants ants, or even worse, bees and wasps in their food

• If you will be hiking, make sure to protect yourself from ticks.

• Drink plenty of fluids!

• Keep children away from campfires and grills.

• Don’t leave food outside all day- If you allow food to sit in an outdoor temperature all day it can invite foodborne illness. The FDA suggests to never leave food out for more than an hour when the temperature is 90 or more.

Have a Happy 4th of July!