Safety Comes First for Fourth of July Holiday

Safety Comes First for Fourth of July Holiday

News Release: June 29, 2011
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 830-9771

Your Fourth of July holiday plans may include taking to the highway, setting up a small fireworks display, or firing up the grill to cook something delicious. The American Red Cross provides useful tips that will help you and your loved ones have a safe weekend.

How to stay safe as you travel over the holiday weekend:

Buckle up, slow down, and don't drive impaired.
Be well rested and alert; give your full attention to the road.
Use caution in work zones.
Observe speed limits.
Make frequent stops.
Be respectful of other motorists and follow the rules of the road.
If you plan on drinking, designate a driver who won't drink.
Clean your vehicle's lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.
Don't overdrive your headlights.
Don't let your vehicle's gas tank get too low.
If you have car trouble, pull as far as possible off the highway.
Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in your trunk.
Find out what disasters may occur where you are traveling, especially if they are disasters you have never experienced before. Find out how you would get information in the event of a disaster (local radio systems, emergency alert systems).
Pay attention to the weather forecast for your destination. Travel and weather web sites can help you avoid storms and other regional challenges that could impact your safety.
Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

Use caution around fireworks:

Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross helped more than 76,500 people through preparedness and training, military personnel support, senior lifesaving programs and services, emergency relief and information and referral. The Red Cross is a charitable organization - not a government agency - and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.