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.