TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE ON THE FOURTH OF JULY

Fourth of July is a favorite holiday for many families across the country. From backyard barbecues to pool parties and firework shows, there’s plenty of ways to celebrate this time of year. However, it’s important to remain vigilant and not let your guard down.

Certain accidents occur more frequently during popular holidays like the Fourth of July. Below, we discuss some ways that you can ensure that everyone stays injury-free this coming holiday.

FIREWORK SAFETY

Who doesn’t anticipate gazing at and lighting off fireworks on the Fourth of July? Fireworks are an integral part of our nation’s Independence Day celebrations, but every year, they are a leading cause of injury and ER visits during the holiday.

Take a few extra safety precautions when using fireworks this year:

• Never attempt to reignite duds
• Always have a hose or bucket of water nearby
• Do not allow young children to light fireworks by themselves
• Have an adult or supervisor present with children around fireworks
• Only purchase legal fireworks

PREVENTING DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENTS

Holidays are a popular time of celebration, meaning that alcoholic beverages are a part of many parties and gatherings. But this is no time to relax your safety behind the wheel or on the road. The Fourth of July is one of the deadliest holidays on the road due to drunk driving accidents.

Whether you’re celebrating with alcohol yourself or have guests over who are drinking, always say no to drunk driving. Remember, if you feel differently after drinking, you will drive differently. Prevent drunk driving by opting for safe option:

• Designate a sober driver
• Use public transportation
• Call an Uber, Lyft, or taxi

TAKING PRECAUTIONS WITH POOLS

If you’re planning a pool party or even have a pool in your backyard, keep in mind that children are at an increased risk of drowning. It only takes a matter of seconds for a serious or fatal drowning to occur; drinking alcohol during parties can lead to drownings because adults may turn their backs for a few moments or be unable to recognize the signs of drowning.

Here are a few safety tips for swimming pools this holiday:

• Set up four-sided perimeters
• Have one sober adult supervising children at all times, even if they know how to swim
• Do not rely on life jackets or other floatation devices to prevent drowning
• Keep young children within one arm’s length in the pool
• Have one person present who knows CPR

You work hard all year round to keep your children and family safe, so make sure that you take the precautions you need during the Fourth of July holiday.

With that said, we understand that accidents can still happen, even if you take the right precautions to prevent them. If you or a loved one is injured in an accident this holiday, Huffman & Huffman is here to provide you with caring, dedicated, and effective legal assistance.

Contact our Newport News injury attorneys at (757) 599-6050 to learn more about your legal options working with our team.