Have Fun, Stay Safe This Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is one of the most dangerous holidays of the year, second only to New Years. With a large number of intoxicated drivers out on the roads, and all the dangers posed by fireworks, here are eight tips for staying safe while celebrating America’s freedom:

1. Make sure that fireworks are legal in your area before you use or buy them. Here in Illinois, they’re not. But if you’ll be out of town and don’t know whether fireworks are legal, you can always check with the local police or fire department.
2. If a firework doesn’t work properly, don’t relight it. Have a bucket of water nearby that you can soak it in, then safely dispose of it.
3. Never let children use fireworks without supervision. According to the Department of Homeland Security, sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room firework injuries.
4. Make sure that your grill is in a safe location. It should be used at least five feet away from your home. Also make sure there aren’t any branches hanging above.
5. Clean up your grill. Every few months, you should dispose of any buildup of grease and fat in the trays beneath the grill. If you don’t, the grease and fat could ignite and cause a fire that’s difficult to put out.
6. Don’t wear loose clothing when using a grill. Also, if you have long hair, make sure it’s tied back so it doesn’t catch fire!
7. Never drink and drive. Sadly, many traffic deaths occur on the Fourth of July due to intoxicated drivers. If you’ve had too much to drink, there is always an alternative way to get home. The NHTSA offers an app called SaferRide. It would be a good idea to install this now so you’re prepared incase you need a ride Wednesday night. If you’re located in Palos Park and had a bit too much to drink, give the Palos Park Police Department a call and they’ll get you home safely: (708) 448-2191.
8. Report impaired drivers. If you’re on the roads and see a vehicle swerving in an out of its lane and changing speeds, it’s very likely that they are drunk. Immediately call 911. State and local police departments will step up their patrols, but they can’t be everywhere at once. If you see something, say something. You might just save a life!

Still need plans for Wednesday night? Check out our 2018 Celebration Guide for events in Palos Heights. Have a great holiday, and celebrate safely!