The Fourth of July is a great opportunity for family and
friends to relax and enjoy a little summer fun in the sun. Unfortunately, with
the excitement that comes with a little time off, there is a tendency to
overlook the risk factors that may be involved in activities. Adopting a risk
management plan before setting out for a holiday celebration is an important
part of ensuring a safe holiday weekend. Forethought and common sense must be
exercised with any activity.
To meet the challenge of this extended Fourth of July
weekend, keep in mind the following tips to minimize risks and prevent injury
or even death to you or one of your family members:
Alcohol
• Moderation, moderation, moderation; drink responsibly and
know when enough is enough.
Barbecue Safety
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for lighting and extinguishing
gas grills. Gas buildup has led to
explosions where people have been severely burned. For those charcoal grill
users, what really burns the hair off your face is adding lighter fluid to hot
coals. Lighter fluid turns to a heavy gas at a relatively low temperature.
While liquid lighter fluid burns, evaporated (gaseous) lighter fluid
explodes. Follow the instructions
exactly and don't let lighting charcoal become a game.
Boating Safety
• Take a boating safety course.
• File a float plan.
A float plan includes a description of the boat, a list of who is on
board, a description of the safety equipment on board, along with a description
of where you are going and when you plan to return.
• Never exceed the boat’s maximum capacity and wear a personal
flotation device.
• Keep an eye on the weather and avoid alcohol when
operating a boat.
Swimming
• Swim where lifeguards are present. They are trained to identify hazards and
assist swimmers.
• Never dive unless the water depth is known and obstacles
are identified. A bad decision can leave
a swimmer paralyzed for life.
Fireworks
• The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 240
people on average go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related
injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday. In most cases, it is best to leave fireworks
to professionals. If fireworks are legal in your community, it is still
important to use caution. Always follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Careless use of fireworks can cause serious pain, injury or death.
Driving
• Make sure vehicles are in excellent operating condition
before a road trip.
• Carry a roadside emergency kit, first aid kit and extra
water.
• Buckle up. It is a simple habit and can mean the
difference between walking away from a crash or being carried off on a
stretcher; it’s also the law.
• Keep children safe. The back seat is the safest place for
children to ride, and all children must be restrained with the correct safety
equipment.
• Don’t speed.
Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves
or objects in the road. You never know
what’s around that next corner, a deer, stalled car or a pedestrian in the
roadway.
• If you are operating a motorcycle, training, protective equipment and
maintaining control of the vehicle are critical to safe cycling. We make a
number of choices each day but these choices can mean the difference in walking
away from a mishap or being carried away. Most military members involved in fatal motorcycle mishaps are the
result of excessive speed and loss of control.
• Most importantly, do not drink and drive and don’t get
into a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking. A designated driver is your
best alternative and if that plan falls through, and you need a plan B,
consider using a group such JBSA Armed Forces Against Drunk Drivers for a safe
ride home. They can be contacted at AFADD.JBSA@us.af.mil.
• For situational awareness , Texas Department of public
Safety has a roadside assistance hotline for use to report non-life-threatening
situations on Texas roads and highways. The number, 1-800-525-5555, is printed
on the back of virtually all Texas driver licenses and ID cards. Examples of when a motorist should call the
roadside assistance hotline include: stranded with car problems, hazardous road
conditions, debris in the roadway, suspicious activity at a rest area, and
obviously intoxicated or dangerous drivers. DPS then passes the info to the
appropriate local police agency.
Off-road Driving
• Ensure you have the proper training if you’re thinking
about off-road driving.
• Know the conditions and route so speed can be altered as
necessary in areas with limited visibility or poor road conditions.
• Maintain proper speed and wear personal protective equipment
Whatever your plans are for this holiday, please take some
time to consider the risk involved in your activities and take the action
necessary to lower that risk to an acceptable level. Tragedy can strike when
least expected – identifying and managing risks will help keep you and your
loved ones safe this holiday.