Grilling, Safety Tips For This Independence Day Weekend

The American Red Cross is reminding residents to be safe this Independence Day weekend. The non-profit suggests the following safety tips for grilling and swimming.

Grilling Safety

Every year people are injured while using charcoal or gas grills. Here are several steps to safely cook up treats for the backyard barbecue.

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Never grill indoors – not in the house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
• Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.

Water Safety

• Ensure everyone in the family knows how to swim and only swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
• Provide close and constant attention to children and avoid distractions while supervising in or near the water.
• Never leave a young child unattended near water, and do not trust a child’s life to another child. Teach children to always ask permission to go near water. If a child is missing, check the water first.