The Fourth of July is coming up this week, so it’s an important time to remember firework, food, swim, and heat safety along with precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Precautions Arkansans are advised to wear face coverings in both indoor and outdoor environments where they are exposed to non- Household members and unable to maintain at least a 6-foot distance from others. Face coverings should cover both the mouth and nose. Frequent handwashing is advised, and anyone with symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath should avoid contact with others and seek a COVID- 19 test.
Firework Safety
Fireworks-related injuries are most common on the Fourth of July. Improper use of fireworks can lead
to death and injury, including burns, cuts, and foreign objects in the eye. To prevent injury, keep these
safety tips in mind:
• Read all labels and instructions before igniting.
• A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities.
• Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from buildings and vehicles.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and placing them in a metal trash can away
from any building or flammable materials.
• Never give fireworks to children.
• Never shoot fireworks of any kind near pets.
• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
Food Safety
Due to a variety of factors, including warmer temperatures, foodborne illness increases in summer.
When handling food during the holiday, stay healthy and safe by using these tips:
• Use an insulated cooler filled with ice or frozen gel packs when bringing food to a picnic or
cookout.
• A full cooler will maintain its cold temperature longer than a partially filled one.
• Avoid opening a cooler repeatedly so that your food stays colder longer.
• In hot weather (above 90 °F), food should never sit out for more than one hour.
• Serve cold food in small portions and keep the rest in the cooler.
• After cooking meat and poultry on the grill, keep it hot until served – at
140°F or warmer.
• Keep hot food hot by setting it to the side of the grill rack, not directly over the coals where
they could overcook.
• Use different utensils for handling raw meat than you use for cooked or ready-to-eat foods.
Water Safety
Every day in the United States, about ten people die from unintentional drowning. Two of these ten
are children aged 14 or younger. Keep these tips in mind, so you and your loved ones can swim
safely:
• Take part in formal swimming lessons to reduce the risk of drowning among children aged 1 to
4 years old.
• Designate a responsible adult to watch young children while swimming or playing in or around
water.
• Because drowning occurs quickly and quietly, adults should not be involved in any other
distracting activity (such as reading, playing cards, or talking on the phone) while supervising
children, even if lifeguards are present.
• Don’t use air-filled or foam toys, such as “water wings”, “noodles”, or inner-tubes instead of life
jackets. These toys are not life jackets and are not designed to keep swimmers safe.
• Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming, boating, or water skiing.
• Always swim with a buddy. Use swimming sites that have lifeguards when possible.
Heat-related Illness Prevention
Heat-related illness is caused by your body’s inability to cool down properly. The body normally cools
itself by sweating. However, under certain conditions sweating is not enough. People who have higher
risks for heat-related illness or death include children under the age of four, seniors age 65 or older,
anyone overweight, and those who are ill or on certain medications. Heat-related illnesses are
preventable. Simple tips to prevent them are:
• Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day. If your home does not have
air conditioning, consider public places like a library, senior center or mall.
• Wear light, loose-fitted clothing.
• Drink water often. Don’t wait until you are thirsty.
• Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities if you are outside or without air conditioning.
• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure. Wear a hat when you are in the sun.
• Use sunscreen as directed and reapply regularly, especially when swimming.
For more information regarding injury prevention, visit healthy.arkansas.gov.
