10 Fourth of July Safety Tips

For many New Hampshire residents, summer truly begins when the Fourth of July arrives. It’s a holiday full of fireworks and food, barbecues and boating, family and friends. However, it can also be full of danger — and that’s not only because of the fireworks.

Whether you’re lighting your own fireworks at home, going to a community show or to another type of party, keep the following 10 Fourth of July safety tips in mind to ensure a happy and healthy holiday:

1.      Stay protected — and hydrated. If you’re going to be outdoors during the day, use plenty of sunblock (and bring extra). You’ll also want to drink water throughout the day, particularly if you’re drinking alcohol (in which case don’t drive). It’s easy to get dehydrated in the heat.

2.     Watch what you eat. We’re not talking about counting calories. We’re talking about making sure your food is fully cooked. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, meats (steaks, roasts or chops) need to be cooked to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, ground meats to 160 and poultry to 165.

3.     Watch what you serve. If you’re heading to a party and bringing food, put it in an insulated cooler with ice or ice packs so it doesn’t grow harmful bacteria between the time you leave your house and the time people dig in. Pull it from the fridge right before you leave for the party.

4.     Don’t drink and drive. We shouldn’t need to tell you this, of course, but the period around the Fourth of July holiday is a deadly one for drunk-driving fatalities. 

5.     Don’t drink and boat. Alcohol is a factor in about one-third of recreational boating deaths, says the Coast Guard, so boating under the influence is never a good idea.

6.     Make sure everyone’s got a life jacket. If you’re going to be near or on the water, life jackets are a must. On a boat, there should be enough life preservers for everyone, and remember that kids need an appropriately sized jacket.

7.      Lighting fireworks? Be prepared. Keep a hose or bucket of water close by, and make sure you’re not aiming at people, animals, homes, plants or cars.

8.     Supervise the kids. Youngsters shouldn’t be lighting fireworks at all, and older kids need to be watched closely. Even sparklers get much hotter than you may think.

9.     Keep your distance, too. Thousands of people show up in the emergency room at this time of the year with firework-related injuries. Don’t be one of them!

10. No matter what you’re doing, keep safety in mind at all times.

At Hunkins & Eaton Insurance Agency, we wish you a happy and safe Fourth of July! For additional safety tips and other useful resources, please read our other blog posts, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.        

Fire Pit Safety Tips

Use Caution When Playing With Fire, Even in the Backyard

 

It’s a great feeling to hang out with friends and family around a blazing fire in your backyard in New Hampshire, especially on chilly fall evenings — unless, of course, that fire blazes a little too much.

A fire pit can be a wonderful addition to your home, but it’s important to remember that all fires are potentially dangerous. So before you sit down to make s’mores, review the following fire pit safety tips to help you keep that fire in the pit and away from everything else:

 

Is it legal?

·        Before building or buying a fire pit, check the regulations in your area to learn about restrictions.

·        Your fire pit may be legal, but a fire might not always be. Monitor and follow community burn bans.

·        Be respectful. Nothing can extinguish the good vibes of a nice fire more quickly than police complaints from smoked-out neighbors.

What kind of pit do you want?

·        You can buy a fire pit or build one. If you choose the latter, there are plenty of resources online to help you design it. Don’t dig a hole just anywhere and throw some rocks down; put some thought into it and you’ll have a better, safer spot to enjoy.

·        If you want convenience, a propane model might be right for you. These types of fire pits produce less smoke and have an adjustable flame. 

Before your start building your fire:

·         First, ensure that the area under and around your fire pit is clear of flammable materials, and keep the pit itself at least 10 feet from any structures.

·         Before you start the fire, make sure you have a fire extinguisher or a garden hose handy.

 

Ready to build your fire? Here’s what to do:

·        Choose hard, seasoned woods. Sparks from softer woods like cedar can increase the danger of igniting something nearby.

·        Don’t use liquid fuels, even lighter fluid, to get your fire going. It’s also not a good idea to burn paper, cardboard, leaves, garbage, etc.

·       If you have a metal fire pit, don’t overload it and always use the included safety screen.

Put the fire out completely:

·        When you’re done, spread out the ashes and let them cool off for a bit. Then gently pour water or sand over them. Stick around for a little while to watch for flare-ups.

 

At Hunkins & Eaton Insurance Agency in Littleton and Lisbon, NH, we want you to have plenty of nice, warm nights — without getting burned. Here’s to making memories around the fire!

 

For additional safety tips and useful resources, please read our other blog posts, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+. 

 

This article provided courtesy of Safeco Insurance.

Firework Safety Tips

For many of us, the Fourth of July is a time to enjoy the company of family and friends, having fun and creating memories, regardless of whether you’re home or away. However, for some families, this holiday can turn into a nightmare. Unfortunately, every year homes in New Hampshire are damaged by wayward fireworks and thousands of people are injured in accidents. At Hunkins & Eaton Insurance Agency, we want your holiday to be fun, but also safe. Keep the following firework safety tips in mind to help you protect yourself, your family, and your property on July 4th.

Protecting yourself and your loved ones

• To minimize the risk of injury, don’t use consumer fireworks. Attend a public display conducted by professionals instead.
• If you’re set on using consumer fireworks, always follow the instructions. Do not attempt to re-light “duds” or create homemade fireworks.
• Never let children handle or light fireworks. Even sparklers, which burn at more than 1,000 degrees, can cause third-degree burns. Kids under the age of 15 account for approximately 40 percent of fireworks injuries, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
• A responsible adult should always be present when children - even teenagers - are around fireworks. More than half of fireworks injuries occur among those younger than 20 years old.

Protecting your property

• According to the National Fire Protection Association, the best way to protect your property is to not use fireworks at home.
• Remember, fireworks can cause grass fires and other types of blazes as well. Make sure you light fireworks in a safe area, away from homes, buildings, and any types of combustible material. Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.
• Look out for tree limbs or bushes that could catch fire. Trimming vegetation to keep it away from your home is a good idea in general, but it’s especially important on the Fourth of July, as it could help prevent a fire.
• If your gutters have accumulated leaves, pine needles or other flammable material, be sure to clean them out before using fireworks near your home.
• Finally, if you won’t be home on the holiday, ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your house if others in your neighborhood will be using fireworks.

With some common sense and planning, the Fourth of July can be both safe and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re staying at home or going away for the holiday, we hope you have a wonderful time celebrating our independence!

For additional safety tips and other useful resources, please read our other blog posts, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.