Have a Safe Fourth of July With These 3 Helpful Tips for Florida Homeowners

The Fourth of July is an exciting holiday for Americans. It’s a celebration of Independence and summertime, and backyard barbeques and pool parties are the order of the day. We’ve collected some tips to help remind you about safety for your family, your guests, and your home so that you have a safe Fourth of July holiday.

1. Grill safety tips

Whether you have a gas or electric grill or prefer a pit to roast your hot dogs and s’mores over, fire safety should be at the top of your list when cooking outdoors. To have a safe Fourth of July remember to:

• Never leave a grill, pit, or other open flame unattended
• Make sure children and pets cannot inadvertently burn themselves
• For electric grills, secure any cords and plugs safely away from water sources and avoid trip hazards
• On gas grills, check any hoses for leaks before turning your grill on
• If you’re using charcoal, take it easy with the lighter fluid

Make sure to cook foods thoroughly and douse your fire completely after you’re done cooking to reduce the risks of a home fire.

2. Pool safety tips

When you’re having a party, it can be easy to lose sight of a child for just a minute – and in that minute, they can get into trouble if they aren’t able to swim, or if they fall in the pool and hit their head. Be sure to follow these water safety guidelines to prevent accidental drowning and keep your pool itself safe:

• An adult should always be assigned to be wholly responsible for watching children in and around the pool
• Switch responsible adults frequently, and don’t give the responsibility to anyone who has been drinking
• Teach children about water safety and make sure visitors know how to swim
• Keep kids away from the pool pump and pool cleaning equipment
• When not in use, pools should be secured with a permanent, lockable installation such as a fence, wall or screen to prevent unattended children from accessing the pool

3. Fireworks safety tips

Fireworks are a traditional part of Fourth of July celebrations, but can pose significant safety risks to both people and property. If you choose to set off fireworks at home, first make sure to check on local laws for your city. Then follow these firework safety guidelines to ensure your safe Fourth of July celebrations:

• Keep fireworks out of reach of young children, and don’t allow children to play with or ignite fireworks
• Make sure an adult supervises all firework activities, even sparklers (these burn at extremely high temperatures)
• Never point fireworks at other people or at a building or an object – and don’t let anyone put a firework in the pool
• If a firework doesn’t go off, don’t pick it up or relight it
• Keep a bucket of water and a garden hose on hand in case of a fireworks related fire

By following these guidelines, and asking everyone at your gathering to do the same, you can help keep your friends, family, and property safe during Fourth of July weekend festivities. If you have more questions about having a safe Fourth of July do not hesitate to contact us about it.