How to Have Fun Safely this 4th OF JULY
4th of July Safety Tips
This 4th of July, we commemorate the 246th anniversary of our country’s independence, which calls for a celebration!
We know Texans are the most patriotic Americans and that everything must be significant here. However, along with immense fun and big fireworks displays come substantial dangers as well. Prestige ER, along with other local, state, and federal public safety agencies, wants you to have lots of fun but also celebrate the holiday safely. We recommend you follow these helpful tips to help you plan a safe 4th of July.
Firework Safety
It would not be the 4th of July without some fireworks lighting up the sky. And although some counties allow the selling of fireworks this time of year, we cannot stress enough that the safest way to enjoy a pyrotechnic show is to attend one done by professionals, if you get to go to one of these make sure you stay at least 500 feet away.
Did you know that sparklers burn at a temperature of around 2000°F? That is enough to cause third-degree burns!
Here we offer you some tips to enjoy the 4th of July Fireworks at home safely:
- Never operate fireworks while drunk
- Always keep a garden hose handy in case of emergency
- Never let children manipulate or light any fireworks
- Make sure the person who oversees lighting fireworks always wears eye protection
- Light fireworks one at a time and never attempt to reignite a dud; you should always douse the dud with plenty of water.
- Never throw or aim a firework towards people, animals, cars, homes, sheds, or flammable materials.
Grilling Safety
Every summer, especially around the 4th of July holiday, the Prestige ER staff is busy treating patients who were injured using their backyard grills.
If hosting a barbecue is part of your celebratory plans, ensuring your safety and that of your friends and family should be your priority. So, before you get those burgers, hot dogs, and steaks on the grill, make sure to read these vital grilling safety tips:
- Charcoal and gas grills should never be used indoors
- Place the grill in an open area with plenty of ventilation and away from trees, shrubs, and other flammable materials
- Always supervise your barbecue while in use
- Keep children, pets, and drunken friends away from the hot grill
- Only use the long-handled barbecue cooking utensils, which are made specially to safeguard the cook from accidentally burning themselves.
- Never add charcoal starter fluid, gasoline, or other flammable substances when coals have already been ignited
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using your grill.
Food Safety
Many times, food is mishandled when hosting outdoor parties, and as a result, guests and hosts are exposed to harmful food bacteria and could inadvertently get food poisoning.
To avoid food poisoning, proper food handling is necessary; keep these things in mind:
- Always wash your hands before and after manipulating raw foods
- Don’t rinse poultry meats in the kitchen sink; this only serves to spread germs to more surfaces
- Refrigerate any leftover foods as soon as everyone is done eating; you can always reheat and serve them again if your guests get hungry
To destroy harmful bacteria such as salmonella, food needs to be cooked properly; the following chart will indicate the minimum temperatures required for each type of protein:
| Food Item | Minimum Cooking Temperature |
| Fresh Meats – steaks, roasts, chops | 145°F |
| Ground Meats – Burgers | 160°F |
| Poultry and Fowl | 165°F |
| Fish and shellfish | 145°F |
| Rabbit | 160°F |
| Fresh Ham | 160°F |
| Reheated Cooked Ham | 140°F |
| Eggs and Egg Dishes | 160°F |
Water Safety Tips
If you have planned a fun day at a water park or lake, or plan to have a pool party at home, we recommend you read the following tips to avoid any dangers for you and your loved ones:
- Limit or avoid alcohol while you are in proximity to bodies of water
- Always supervise kids while they swim or play near the water
- Wear waterproof sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours
- If you are going boating, make sure everyone on the boat is wearing a well-fitted life jacket
This Fourth of July, let’s have fun and celebrate our brave founding fathers, who 242 years ago felt inspired to create this great country. We should also take a few minutes to honor the great men and women who serve this country to help us preserve our freedom.
As always, Prestige ER will remain open to attend to any medical emergency you or your loved ones encounter.
We Stay Open During 4th of July and the Weekend!
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Prestige ER is honored to serve the residents and those passing through Plano and Mesquite Texas.
Part of caring for your health is to know where to go in case of an emergency. Please keep in mind that Prestige ER is Open 24/7 every day of the year, if you need us, we are here for you.
We are available 24/7 because an accident can happen at any time. Do not risk your health! Get help from the ER experts when you need it, visit us immediately
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