Celebrating A Safe Fourth Of July In New Hampshire: Tips

Fourth of July is almost here, and with it comes a slew of dangers from grill fires to firework-related injuries. In an effort to ensure everyone has a safe, enjoyable holiday weekend, Patch has compiled a list of tips for you.

Grilling Safety

Grilling is a hallmark of summer barbecues, but it can also be dangerous if not done safely. July is the peak month for grill fires, The National Fire Protection Association said, which cause an average of 10,200 house fires each year. Every year, 19,000 people are taken to the emergency room with grill-related injuries. To avoid becoming part of the statistic this holiday, here are some safe grilling tips from the organization.

• Always grill outside, well away from houses and deck railings and away from overhanging branches and eaves
• Never leave the grill unattended while lit
• Always open the lid of gas grills before lighting
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from hot grills
• Frequently clean your grill to prevent the buildup of of grease or fat in trays underneath
• When using a charcoal grill, only use charcoal starter fluid to light and let coals cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container

Firework Safety

New Hampshire takes the "live free or die" motto seriously when it comes to fireworks, as pretty much everything in legal to light off in your backyard. Everything from roman candles to aerial spinners to firecrackers are allowed.

Every year, though, hundreds of people are hospitalized on July 4 with fireworks-related injuries, most often to the hands, fingers and eyes. The Consumer Product Safety Commission offers several tips for safe at-home fireworks displays. When it doubt, leave it to the professionals. Chances are, their displays will be better anyway.

• Always light fireworks on a flat, fire-safe surface
• Do not let children play with or light fireworks
• Don't buy fireworks that have been packaged in brown paper: this usually means they are intended for professional use only
• Never point of throw a firework at another person
• Keep water or a hose handy in case of fire
• When lighting a firework fuse, keep your body as far away as possible—never hunch over it or hold your head directly above it. As soon as the firework is lit, back up to a safe distance
• If a firework does not fully light or malfunctions, do not attempt to re-light it.
• Douse spent fireworks with water to prevent re-lighting or a trash fire
• Light fireworks one at a time

Pets

Fourth of July can be a difficult time for pets, who are often scared by loud noises from fireworks. More pets go missing on Fourth of July than any other day of the year, said Leave No Pets Behind. To keep pets safe during fireworks displays, create a "safe haven" in a part of the home that can't be escaped, the nonprofit organization said. Make sure the animal has plenty of water and turn on the TV or radio to help drown out the booms with more familiar sounds.

To relieve a dog's anxiety, consider swaddling them in a do-it-yourself pressure wrap. To do so, wrap a stretchy fabric around the dog's shoulders and chest to create soothing pressure, taking care not to wrap too tightly and restrict blood flow.

Here are some other tips for relieving firework anxiety from petmd.com.

• Schedule meal and bathroom times early
• Tire your pet out with a workout before the fireworks
• Build up your pet's tolerance to noise over time through "firework training"
• Keep your pet occupied during fireworks with a special treat or toy