Summer is a season full of fun activities, but it’s also a time of year that presents unique – and often unexpected – safety risks. According to Health Partners, many emergency rooms see an increase in accidents around the Fourth of July weekend every year. Keep your patriotic celebrations safe with these helpful tips.
Create a comfortable cookout
Traditionally, families across the country assemble for barbecues every year to reconnect, relax and recognize Independence Day. These outdoor gatherings present a few challenges for seniors, however, so be cautious when preparing your backyard BBQ.
First, make sure the seating options are comfortable and safe. Care2 notes that folding chairs, beach chairs, benches and other traditional cookout seating options might be OK for most guests, but many seniors would prefer something with more stability and support. Consider using stackable plastic chairs with arms, or use sturdier chairs from inside your home. This way, guests with mobility concerns will feel secure while seated and have less trouble standing up and sitting down.
Additionally, make sure the party is accessible for guests using walkers, canes or wheelchairs. If your yard presents hazards to people who need assistance getting around, consider holding part of the celebration in your home. That way, guests can move between the two areas depending on where they feel comfortable.
{image caption} Supportive chairs with arm rests are ideal for cookout guests with mobility issues.
Stay healthy in the heat
In most parts of the country, July means high temperatures. While spending time outside can be fun and refreshing, failing to practice heat safety can have some serious consequences. Health Partners noted that while everyone at your cookout is at risk for sun-related illnesses and injuries, young children and elderly guests are the most vulnerable in the heat.
Encourage your senior loved ones to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if they’re also having alcoholic beverages, since this can increase their risk of dehydration. Know the symptoms of dehydration so you can seek medical help in the case of an emergency. Health Partners noted that these are some common signs:
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Fainting
- Confusion
- Trouble breathing
- Hot, dry skin
- Disorientation
Additionally, provide your senior guests with plenty of shady areas to relax. Sitting in direct sunlight for long periods of time puts people at risk for sun poisoning and severe burns, so give your guests the option of getting out of the heat. Attach umbrellas to your tables, set up an awning people can sit under or encourage people to go in your house if they feel too warm.
When your guests do choose to spend time in the sun, have them apply – and reapply – sunscreen with a high sun protection factor. Health Partners suggested offering people sunblock with an SPF of at least 15 as well as UVA and UVB protection. Remind guests that they should put lotion wherever their skin is exposed to sunlight – this includes ears, eyelids and the tops of their feet.
Know the facts about fireworks
One of the most popular ways to celebrate the red, white and blue is by watching a fireworks display. While these bursts of light and color are beautiful and entertaining, they also present safety hazards when not handled appropriately. According to USA.gov, people have been using fireworks to light up the Fourth since 1777, so there’s no need to abandon this historically significant tradition – just make sure you’re practicing caution.
“Make sure fireworks are legal in your area.”
First, you should only set off private firework displays if your location allows it, explains the source. Even if you can purchase fireworks in your state, they may be prohibited in your city or county, so do some research before setting them off. If your area doesn’t allow private residents to use fireworks, consider getting the family together to watch a display put together by a local organization or community group.
If fireworks are legal in your area, make sure only the designated people at your gathering are allowed near them. This means being vigilant about keeping small children, seniors and other guests at a safe distance. USA.gov notes that you should never set fireworks off inside metal or glass containers or carry them in your pocket. Once you’ve lit the fuse, back up immediately, and don’t attempt to touch or relight fireworks that failed to fully ignite. Keep an emergency water source, like a bucket or garden hose, handy at all times in case something goes wrong.
USA.gov explaines that, if you plan to have fireworks at your celebration, you should have a safe disposal plan for them. Here’s the recommended process for discarding used fireworks:
- Wait for the fireworks to burn out fully.
- Place the used fireworks in a large bucket of water and allow them to remain fully submerged until they’re completely saturated.
- Wrap the fireworks in two layers of plastic wrap or two plastic bags, as this will prevent them from drying out.
- Put the wrapped fireworks in with your normal household trash, or contact your local fire department to ask about alternative disposal options.
Dine deliciously, not dangerously
Most Independence Day celebrations involve grilling traditional American fare like hamburgers and hot dogs. If you plan to fire up your barbecue, make sure to do it at a safe distance from guests. Additionally, check your grill to make sure it’s working properly – faulty propane tanks, blocked tubes and leaks can all cause explosions, explains Medicine Net.
“Leaving food in the sun is a major safety hazard.”
A nice buffet spread will keep your loved ones feeling satisfied but letting food sit out in the hot sun all day can be a major safety hazard. The source notes that you should never let food sit out for more than an hour when the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, so plan accordingly if your celebrations fall on a hot day. If you plan to serve foods that should be kept chilled, place them in coolers filled with ice to prevent bacteria from developing. This is especially important for dishes involving eggs or mayonnaise, notes Medicine Net.
If your senior loved ones are eating slowly, offer to refill their plates with fresh food every so often. They might need to take their time when indulging in a large, celebratory meal, but eating food that’s been in the sun for too long can cause food poisoning.
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