WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging families to plan ahead to enjoy a safe Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Hazards commonly associated with this holiday include extreme heat, fires and injuries due to fireworks and outdoor cooking. In fact, studies show that more than 200 people on average go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries during this time of year.
“The 4th of July is a time to enjoy family and friends, fireworks and celebrate America’s Independence,” said FEMA Administrator Brock Long. “We encourage everyone to take a moment to review your household safety plan and talk with your family about the best ways to ensure the 4th of July remains a fun occasion for all.”
Some simple safety tips include:
• Have a plan when attending large gatherings, to ensure you know where to meet up if you get separated from friends or family;
• Attend public fireworks displays and leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals;
• Enjoy outdoor celebrations and cookouts, but remember to keep a three-foot “safety zone” around grills and campfires;
• Monitor the weather; download the FEMA App to receive weather alerts for areas you’ll be visiting.
• Drink plenty of water – even if you don’t feel thirsty;
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles; and
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who don’t have air-conditioning and spend much of their time alone.
There are plenty of resources available online for additional safety information.
The FEMA App (available in English and Spanish) connects people to disaster resources and safety tips for more than 25 natural and man-made hazards. The app allows users to receive National Weather Service alerts for up to five locations, provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies; help with family communication plans, and maps of open shelters and recovery centers.
FEMA’s program, “You Are the Help Until Help Arrives,” offers training to empower people to take action in emergency situations and provide lifesaving care before professional assistance arrives. Since its launch in February 2017, more than 20,000 people have taken the training. The program is a result of interagency collaboration, spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and its Medical Reserve Corps, the Uniformed Services University’s National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, and FEMA’s Individual and Community Preparedness Division. Visit www.ready.gov/untilhelparrives to learn more.
Finally, other heat safety and fireworks safety tips can be found at https://www.ready.gov/heat and https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/summer.html
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