Every family has their own way of celebrating July 4th. From hot dogs to fireworks or a trip to the beach, you’re likely planning many exciting festivities for the holiday weekend. But before you don your red, white, and blue, we want to remind you of some important safety precautions you should take at home. Here are three home safety tips to consider for Independence Day:
Use fireworks with extreme caution
Did you know that fireworks injured 12,884 people in the U.S. in 2017? And children under 15 years old accounted for 36% of those injuries. (NEISS) Fireworks are one of the most dangerous aspects of July 4th. From their extreme heat of 2,000 degrees to 150-decibel noise levels, they’re capable of damage in more ways than one.
To protect yourself and your children from firework accidents, use extreme caution when handling and lighting them. Never let children play with fireworks, and always ensure an adult is the one igniting them. FEMA warns that fireworks should never be lit inside a container, especially glass or metal. And when lighting any sort of firework or sparkler, keep plenty of water nearby to extinguish fires or stop any malfunctions.
Establish smart pet safety in advance
Your pets probably don’t share your love of July 4th. Big celebrations with fireworks and crowds make many animals anxious, leading them to potentially unsafe behavior. That’s why it’s important to prepare your pet and your home for the holiday weekend. Animal control reports a 30% increase in lost pets each year during this time. (Pet Amber Alert) The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) urges pet owners to check that pets’ identification tags and microchip information is up to date. Microchipped pets are much more likely to be returned if lost.
If you plan on going out to parties or parades on July 4th, leave your pet at home and safely inside. Take the time to check your fences, doggy doors, and windows for any weak areas. Pets who get spooked during fireworks may try to escape when you aren’t home. Don’t let that happen: Giving your pet a crate or other designated safe space they’ll stay in.
Protect your home when hosting and traveling
During the holiday weekend, you should take extra precaution when protecting your home. If you are the host, be careful when firing up the grill. The National Fire Protection Association reminds us that July is the peak month for grill fires, accounting for 17%, that includes structure, outdoor, and other types of fire. Move the grill so it’s far away from your house and any railings, trees, or structures, and always open the lid before lighting. It’s a good idea to set clear boundaries around the area where kids and pets cannot interfere, so they’ll be kept out of harm’s way while you cook.
There are also steps to take if you’re headed out of town. According to AAA’s July 4th Travel Report, 46.9 million Americans travel 50+ miles from home for the holiday. Such popular travel times also add risk. Criminals looking to break into homes know most families are away, making burglaries a common problem. Before leaving the house, make sure you have a dependable security system in place to keep watch when you’re not there.
Keep your friends, family, and pets safe this year while you celebrate July 4th! With these tips, you can sit back, relax, and make the most out of a favorite summer holiday. Learn More About Home Security, or give us a call at 855-334-6562.