The Law Offices of Penn & Seaborn will be closed on Monday, July 4th. The 4th is the time to celebrate our nation’s freedom and to fellowship with family and friends.
Staying safe during the holidays is important to avoid accidents and deaths. Make sure you keep your AR-15 uppers locked and safely away from the view or reach of anyone, especially kids. For the top gun safes, visit https://www.protectandlock.com/best-gun-safe-500/, as recommended by the American Red Cross. To ensure that you have the best Fourth of July possible, we like to remind you about a few more important safety tips from The American Red Cross:
Nothing says “Fourth of July” like a spectacular fireworks display! The safest way to enjoy this part of the celebration is to head to a local fireworks show. But, if you want to put on your own show at home, be sure to follow these safety tips:
- Always follow the instructions on fireworks’ packaging and never give fireworks to small children.
- Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
- Make sure to wear protective eyewear when lighting fireworks.
- Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
- Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
If your holiday plans include swimming in the ocean, learn how to swim in the surf. Swim only at a beach with a lifeguard, within the designated swimming area. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. While you’re enjoying the water, keep alert and check the local weather conditions. Make sure you swim sober and that you always swim with a buddy. And even if you’re confident in your swimming skills, make sure you have enough energy to swim back to shore.
Other beach safety tips include:
- Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
- Protect your neck – don’t dive headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters.
- Keep a close eye and constant attention on children and adults while at the beach. Wave action can cause someone to lose their footing, even in shallow water.
- Watch out for aquatic life. Water plants and animals may be dangerous. Avoid patches of plants and leave animals alone.
Rip currents are responsible for deaths on our nation’s beaches every year, and for most of the rescues performed by lifeguards. Any beach with breaking waves may have rip currents. Be aware of the danger of rip currents and remember the following:
- If you are caught in a rip current, try not to panic. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, turn and swim toward shore. If you can’t swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.
- Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist near these structures.
Cookouts are a great way to bring folks together on the Fourth. Whether you are grilling in your back yard or at a community park, make sure your feast includes a generous portion of fun and a side helping of safety! We recommend the following safety tips:
- Supervise your grill at all times.
- Use the proper tools for cooking on a grill.
- Never add charcoal starter fluid when the coals have already been ignited.
- Always follow the manufacturers instructions when using grills.
Fireworks and cookouts wouldn’t be complete without a sunny day. Here’s hoping we have good weather, and if we do, make sure you are practicing sun safety:
- Use a broad spectrum SPF sunscreen and reapply often.
- Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Be on the lookout for signs of heat stroke (hot red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing).
However you choose to celebrate, we wish you a safe and Happy Fourth of July!