Jul 3, 09 | Posted by: Bayshore Pediatrics

Happy Independence Day – keep it safe

4th of July is for many the highlight of the summer – especially for those in Wisconsin.  Summerfest, bar-b-que, grilling, and fireworks – what more could we ask for?   Mabye a little warmth but otherwise, what a great time!  In order to help everyone keep it safe, we would like to offer a few helpful tips when thinking about grilling and fireworks and children. 

On a special note: To celebrate the 4th of July, Bayshore Pediatrics is closed July 4th.  A physician is on call for any urgent needs as usual.  Please also note that the Urgent Care in Bayshore Pediatrics is also closed for July 4th.   The Children’s Urgent care located at Children’s Hospital is open.  The Bayshore Children’s Urgent care will reopen on July 5th. Happy 4th and Independence Day everyone!  We want to wish everyone a safe and happy Independence Day! 

TIPS FOR GRILLING SAFELY

• Start by setting up the grill on a firm, level base in a well-vented area away from anything flammable and sheltered from wind gusts.
• Keep children away from barbecue grills. Mark out a safety line in chalk that children cannot cross.   Make sure children know not to cross the safety line.  Sometimes children are in to much of a hurry to notice the safety line – another suggestion is a more visual safety border such as bright red rugs laid out on the ground far enough from the grill that children are safety to stand. 
• Do not use grills in a garage or other enclosed area where carbon monoxide can build to toxic levels.
• If the bottom of the grill has vent holes, be sure that it also has an ash can to catch burning embers. 
• Never spray additional starter fluid onto lighted coals. The flame could travel up the stream of flammable liquid and cause an explosion.
• Never attempt to light a gas grill with the lid closed.
• If a gas grill doesn’t light after 10 seconds, turn the burner off and leave the lid open for 2-3 minutes before turning the valve on and trying again. 
• To avoid grease fires, clean the grease pan or dripping pan regularly.
• Use a spray bottle to help keep flames from getting too high and burning the meat. Close the lid immediately if flames become too high.
• Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby, just in case.
• For gas grills, use soapy water to check the hoses and connections for leaks.
• Use long handled barbecue tools and flame resistant mitts.
• Don’t wear loose fitting clothing that could catch fire.
• Dispose of hot coals properly by first dousing them with water and then stirring them to ensure the fire is completely out.
• Do not put hot coals in a flammable container or keep them inside a garage.
• Always shut off the valve to the propane tank when not in use.

TIPS FOR FIREWORK SAFETY

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends the following tips on their “Fireworks Fact Sheet“:

• Do not allow young children to play with fireworks under any circumstances. Sparklers, considered by many the ideal “safe” firework for the young, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing. Children cannot understand the danger involved and cannot act appropriately in case of emergency.
• Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay.
• Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass and flammable materials.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that don’t go off.
• Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
• Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
• Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.
• Observe local laws.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.
• Don’t experiment with homemade fireworks.

The council also urges parents to exercise caution if allowing children to use sparklers.   The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these safety steps for sparklers, in the hopes that sparkler injuries to young children can be greatly reduced.

• Children under the age of 12 should not use sparklers without very close adult supervision.
• Always remain standing while using sparklers.
• Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.
• Never hold, or light, more than one sparkler at a time.
• Sparklers and bare feet can be a painful combination. Always wear closed toe shoes when using sparklers.
• Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop the spent sparklers directly in a bucket of water.
• Never hand a lighted sparkler to another person. Give them the unlit sparkler and then light it.
• Always stand at least 6 feet from another person while using sparklers.
• Never throw sparklers.
• Show children how to hold sparklers away from their body and at arm’s length.
• Teach children not to wave sparklers, especially wooden stick sparklers, or run while holding sparklers.

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