ANCHORAGE, July 01, 2025 — It’s time to enjoy the great outdoors and warm weather. The American Red Cross, Alaska Region wants everyone to have a safe holiday weekend and offers steps they can follow.

“Here in Alaska, there are many unique ways to celebrate Independence Day,” said Tanguy Libbrecht, American Red Cross of Alaska CEO. “The Red Cross wants you to be safe no matter what your plans include and offers steps you can follow to have a safe summer.”

Visit redcross.org/summersafety for more information.

As you get ready to celebrate the 4th of July with family and friends, the American Red Cross offers

these tips to help keep everyone safe during the holiday festivities:

FIREWORKS SAFETY The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public show put on by professionals.

• Many states outlaw most fireworks, so consider celebrating with glow sticks, noise makers or silly string instead. If you choose to set fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:
• Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
• Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Keep a supply of water close by.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
• 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 use fireworks around pets, keep pets indoors. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma, and many pets are also fearful of loud noises and can become lost, scared  or disoriented.

GRILLING, FOOD SAFETY: Grilling sparks more than 10,000 home fires on average each year.  Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Never grill indoors or in any enclosed area. Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.

• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to help keep the chef safe.
• Wash your hands, utensils and workstation before preparing the food.
• Don’t leave food out in the hot sun. Keep perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs. 
• Separate uncooked meats, poultry and seafood from ready-to-eat foods like salads, fruits, vegetables, cheeses and desserts. Use separate plates and utensils to prevent cross-contamination.

CAMPING: Being prepared for emergencies is critical when you’re headed to an area with limited access to phone services and help. If you are heading out to camp, or hike, wear layers of light-weight clothing, sunscreen and a hat.

• Pack a first aid kit with insect repellant, sunscreen and personal medications. A variety of first aid kits and emergency supplies are available at redcrossstore.org.
• Know the level of ability of your group and the environment around you. Plan to use hiking trails that are within your skill level.
• Share your plans, including where you are going and when you should be back, with a family member, neighbor or friend.
• Bring nutritious food items and plenty of water even if you don’t plan to stay overnight.
• Download the FREE Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the FREE Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.