The following information was provided to Bryan County News by Bryan County Fire Chief Freddy Howell.

The Fourth of July is the perfect time to gather with family and friends for good food, fun and to celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Below are our 7-tips to having a safe Independence Day:

 Leave Fireworks to the Professionals

There are a variety of fireworks displays supervised by professionals which provide a safe, relaxing, and exciting option.

Keep Children Safe

Whether on the playground or at a campground, make sure children are supervised while celebrating outside during the holiday. Keep fireworks and sparklers out of reach of children at all times. Remove pieces of small toys, balloons and other items that may be potential choking hazards or dangerous to small children.

Consume Alcohol Responsibly

Drive sober or get pulled over. Establish a designated driver in advance to get partygoers home from the festivities. Know your limits when drinking alcohol and don’t overindulge.

Bring Sunscreen

Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before participating in outdoor activities and reapply as per the directions to reduce the risk for one of the most preventable types of cancer: skin cancer. Protect children from the sun by having them wear protective clothing, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen, as well as suggesting they play in shaded areas. Consult your pediatrician before using sunscreen on infants.

Review Safe Boating Practices

Heading out on the water is a great way to take in the spectacular summer weather and outdoor scenery. Look over safe boating practices before embarking on your next trip. Remember to equip your boat with lifejackets in appropriate sizes and types for the intended wearers. Stay alert while navigating, and follow state boating laws by traveling at safe speeds.

Check for Ticks

Protect yourself from tick-borne diseases including West Nile Virus and Lyme disease by knowing how to recognize ticks. Bathe or shower as soon as possible after being outdoors, especially in moist, wooded or grassy areas, and be sure to perform a tick check. Use fine-tuned tweezers to remove ticks immediately. Keep backyards free from rotting leaves and damp grasses to eliminate potential breeding grounds.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids while spending time outside in the hot sun to avoid heat illness. Consumption of alcohol also causes dehydration, so be sure to drink plenty of water with any adult beverages. Keep cool by staying in the shade when possible. Look after pets, infants and the elderly, all of whom are more susceptible to heat stroke.

Whether you’re celebrating the birth of our nation with barbecues or by camping with friends, follow these simple precautions for a safe holiday. Bring sunscreen, stay hydrated and be mindful of outdoor creatures. Have a happy and healthy Fourth of July from Bryan County Emergency Services!