As you get ready to celebrate the 4th of July with family and friends, the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region has tips to help keep everyone safe during the holiday festivities.

“As we come together to mark our nation’s 250th anniversary, it’s important to keep safety at the forefront of our holiday traditions,” said Jennifer Graham, CEO of the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region. “With extreme heat in the forecast and increased risks around fireworks and water activities, we encourage everyone to take simple, proactive steps to protect themselves and their loved ones. Download our free Red Cross Emergency and First Aid apps to help keep your holiday weekend memorable and safe.”

Heat Safety

The Philadelphia region is bracing for an intense heat wave in the days leading up to July 4th, with temperatures expected to climb above 100 degrees. Hot conditions will persist through the weekend, with highs in the low 90s and elevated humidity. These sweltering conditions make hydration and sun protection essential for anyone planning to spend time outdoors.

The Cross urges everyone to take three critical actions to stay safe when temperatures are high:

• Stay Hydrated – Drink one cup of water every hour, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.
• Stay Cool – Spend time in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible. If your home is too hot, go to a mall, library or cooling center. At outdoor events, take breaks in shaded areas and rest frequently.
• Stay Connected – Check in on friends, family and neighbors, and ask for help if needed. Don’t forget your pets; ensure they always have access to fresh water and shade.

Fireworks Safety

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public firework show put on by professionals. As an alternative to fireworks at home, 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 allow children to light or play with fireworks. 
• Don’t throw or point fireworks toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of fire.
• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight a dud.
• The person lighting fireworks should wear eye protection.
• Never use fireworks around pets and 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.

Water Safety

The July 4th holiday weekend is the perfect occasion for a dip in a pool, visit to a water park or a getaway at the shore. The Red Cross recommends steps you should take to help you and your family stay safe around the water:

• 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. 
• Always swim with a buddy in a lifeguarded area and follow the rules of the facility.
• Check the water depth and don’t swim or play beyond your swimming abilities.
• Children, weak or non-swimmers, and all boaters should wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Watch the weather and get out of the water at the first sign of lightning or rumble of thunder. Stay indoors and away from the water for 30 minutes after the last lightning flashes or thunder roars.

Safety at Your Fingertips

Take the Red Cross with you this summer by downloading free Red Cross Emergency and First Aid apps. The Emergency App provides real-time weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety guidance, while the First Aid App offers step-by-step instructions for handling common emergencies, including heat-related illness. Find both apps in your preferred app store by searching for “American Red Cross.”

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.