On the fourth day of July each year, we celebrate Independence Day – the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. This year, we will celebrate America’s 239th birthday, and we will do so in style! No matter what your plans are for this year’s Independence Day celebrations, make sure that you put safety first! Here are a few safety tips for the most popular Fourth of July activities:
Sun and Water Safety
Enjoy the warm weather without exposing yourself to dangerous rays – limit your sun exposure during peak hours (between 10 am and 4 pm) and make sure that you are wearing sun protection, including hats, sleeved shirts, and sunscreen. Also brush up on the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Make sure that you and your party also have plenty of fluids while spending time out in the heat.
If you’re thinking of hitting the pool over the holiday weekend (or any time this summer) make sure that you follow Vargas and Vargas Insurance’s Swimming Safety Tips for Summer, including supervising children at all times, enrolling in swimming or water safety classes, having the right tools when around water, and more.
Grilling Safety
Are you planning to break out the grill for an Independence Day BBQ? Whether you’re just making lunch for your family or hosting a party, make sure that you follow these basic safety tips:
- Supervise grill when hot
- Never grill indoors or near flammable objects
- Ensure that pets and children stay away from the grill
- Use utensils with long handles for grilling
- When in doubt, follow your grill’s manufacturer’s instructions
When the cooking is done, you should also ensure that your food doesn’t sit out at room temperature for more than two hours. At that time, it could begin to go bad and could cause distress to those that consume it. Before your two hours is up, either refrigerate your leftovers or throw away anything that’s not been eaten.
Fireworks Safety
According to MGL Chapter 148, S. 39, “It is illegal for private citizens to use, possess, or sell fireworks in Massachusetts, or to purchase them legally elsewhere and then transport them into the state. The law prohibits any article designed to produce a visible or audible effect.” The penalty for possession or use of a firework is confiscation of the fireworks and a fine of $10 to $100.
If you want to watch a traditional fireworks display for the Fourth, check out the list of fireworks shows in the area from Mass.gov. If you attend one of these shows, make sure that you stay in the designated viewing area, a safe distance from the fireworks themselves.
Events in Boston
If you’re looking for plans for the Fourth this year, you’re in luck! There are tons of events going on in Boston, like the 2015 Boston Harborfest, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, and more!
From all of us here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we hope that you have a fun and safe Fourth of July weekend. If you have any insurance concerns, please call us at 617-298-0655 during regular business hours, or call our 24/7 CSR hotline at 866-760-1442 in an emergency. Also “Like” our Facebook Page for links to our blog posts and interesting information, which we encourage you to share with your friends and family.
