10 Tips to a Safe 4th of July Weekend {Top Ten Tuesday}

But truthfully, I have so many more happy memories from that holiday. Spending time with family and friends and heading out to see the pretty fireworks.  I am not sure what we will be doing this 4th of July weekend (it is more fun when the Hubs is home), but here are 10 great tips for any family planning on celebrating.

1. Plan ahead! Know who is responsible for what and when. Make sure you have everything you need especially if you are spending the weekend in the elements. Sunscreen, bug spray, band aids, water, food, ice…

2. Apply Sunscreen! Every 2 hours, and every time you get out of the water.  Most people don’t apply enough. One person should be applying a shot glass worth of sunscreen every application. (Don’t forget your ears and feet/toes which are the most missed areas)

3. Drink Lots of Water. Sun, Fun, and Alcohol can all dehydrate you.  Make sure you are drinking a glass of water (8ozs) about every hour. (8-10 glasses per day!)  For young children offer them water every time they stop to take a break.

4. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion. Children can easily over do it when they are having fun. Especially if they are with other kids.  Watch for signs of dehydration and over exertion  .Make sure you plan a few quiet activities to allow your child to get a break.

5. Drink Responsibly.  4th of July celebrations often include alcohol.  If you plan on drinking this weekend, make sure you have a designated driver.  Even if you don’t plan on drinking, know that others are.  Take extra care in driving home.

6. Set Rules and Limits. If you plan on having a fireworks show, or attending one, educate children on the do’s and don’ts before you arrive to your event.  If you don’t want them within a certain distance, let them know before hand there will be consequences for not listening.  Teach them that while fireworks are pretty they need to be handled with extreme care. If you don’t want them using sparklers or other fireworks, again, let them know ahead of time.  Explain that while other kids may do it, they are not to without the help of a parent.

7. Cover your food. Don’t invite nasty guest (aka bees and wasps) to the party.  Plan on having food in only certain areas, and trash far away from the play areas.  Teach your children to cover their juice/soda’s with a napkin or plastic while they are playing. There is nothing more scary that a sting in the mouth or throat.

8. Speaking of food… Don’t leave food out all day.  Especially in the heat, bacteria can grow rapidly and food can reach unsafe temperatures if proper precautions aren’t taken.  Your stomach will thank you.

9. Cover your bases. If you are celebrating at a park or festival, plan ahead with a meet up spot.  Make sure your children know the plan and place if they get separated.  For all kids consider an Vital ID band. They are waterproof and can hold medical information as well as emergency contact information.

10. Be Water Safe. Things can go from fun to tragic in a matter of moments when it comes to the water. Make sure to plan accordingly if you plan on being around water.  Insist non-swimmers where a life jacket even if they are just playing around the water.
If you are lucky, some private homes have safety gate installed to keep children who can’t swim from wandering into the pool. But it isn’t any good if people don’t shut the gates.  Speak up and let adults and children know they need to close the gates in and out without exception.

The Vintage Squishy pictures are from his one month-day 4th of July 2009 (Incidentally the 4th of July is also my two year blogging anniversary!)

HAPPY 4TH of JULY!