With summer in full swing, it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors and warm weather. As Independence Day approaches, many people plan to attend fireworks displays and enjoy time in the water. The Red Cross recommends steps you should take to help celebrate safely.

Visit redcross.org/summersafety for more information.

FIREWORKS SAFETY The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public show put on by professionals. Consider celebrating with glow sticks, noise makers or silly string. 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 and keep them 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.

WATER SAFETY Families should build confidence in the water by learning to be safer, making good choices, learning to swim and knowing how to handle emergencies. Preventing unsupervised access to water, constant, active adult supervision and knowing how to swim are critical layers of protection to prevent drowning.

• Designate a “water watcher” to keep a close eye and constant attention on children and weaker swimmers in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.
• Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
• Teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
• Don’t dive in headfirst – protect your neck. Check for water depth and obstructions before diving and go in feet first the first time.
• If at a beach or water park, make sure lifeguards are on duty before you go in the water and follow all their instructions.
• Swimming in the ocean, a lake or river is different than swimming in a pool. Be sure you have the skills for these environments.
• Use waterproof sunscreen before leaving home and reapply during the day and drink plenty of fluids.

HEAT SAFETY The American Red Cross recommends taking three steps in extreme heat – stay hydrated, stay cool and stay connected. Extreme heat can happen anywhere and be deadly for anyone.

• Stay hydrated by drinking a cup of water every 20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
• Stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned places. If your home is too hot, go to a mall, library or cooling center.
• Stay connected by checking on others and asking for help if you need it. Make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade.
• Heat cramps are an early sign of trouble signaled by heavy sweating and muscle pain.
• Heat exhaustion is more serious and signaled by heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting.
• Heat stroke is a deadly condition signaled by high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, confusion, headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Some people are at higher risk of getting sick because their bodies have a harder time staying cool. This includes older adults, children, pregnant women, people who take medication and people with chronic conditions or disabilities.

DOWNLOAD OUR APPS The free Red Cross Emergency app can help you and your loved ones stay safe with real-time alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety information. The free Red Cross First Aid app provides instant access to information on handling the most common emergencies. Download these apps for free by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or visiting redcross.org/apps.

About the American Red Cross Indiana Region:

The American Red Cross of Indiana Region serves 6.9 million people in 104 counties in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio through its chapters: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Greater Indianapolis (Regional Headquarters). The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit us at Redcross.org/Indiana or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @indianaredcross.