Summer Celebration Safety

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It’s the season for picnics, parties, and fireworks celebrations! Please remember that practicing a little common sense makes the festivities more enjoyable for you and those around you. Here are a few reminders about food, alcohol, and firework safety to prevent sickness and injury, and help keep the fun going all summer long.

Food Safety

  • Keep cold food cold; store cold food at 40˚ or below.
  • Don’t cross-contaminate food; keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood securely wrapped to prevent juices from leaking onto other foods.
  • Don’t reuse utensils that have been used on raw meats. Keep utensils and serving dishes clean.
  • Clean your fruits and vegetables.
  • Keep hands clean by washing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.
  • Cook food thoroughly.

Alcohol Safety

  • Know your limits.
  • Stay hydrated; drink water in between cocktails.
  • Avoid swimming or boating when inebriated. Up to 70% of water recreation deaths of teens and adults involve the use of alcohol.
  • Call a cab or use a designated driver if you have to travel after drinking.

Firework Safety

  • Obey local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
  • Know your fireworks; read all labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
  • A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
  • Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
  • Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
  • Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
  • Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
  • NEVER relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
  • Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
  • Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them into metal or glass containers.
  • Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.

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