DALLAS — Summer is here, a time to enjoy the outdoors, warm weather and festive Fourth of July celebrations. But as families gather for fireworks, cookouts and time outside, it’s important to keep safety top of mind so everyone can enjoy a holiday free from emergencies. The American Red Cross North Texas Region offers simple steps you can follow to help keep you and your loved ones safe this Independence Day.

The Red Cross recommends taking three steps in extreme heat: stay hydrated, stay cool and stay connected.

• Stay hydrated by drinking a cup of water every 15 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
• Stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned places.
• Stay connected by checking on others and asking for help if you need it.
• Make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public show put on by professionals. Many cities across North Texas outlaw most fireworks, so the Red Cross suggests celebrating instead with glow sticks, noisemakers or silly string.

For those who choose to set off fireworks at home, safety should come first.

• Fireworks should never be given to small children, and they should never be thrown or pointed at people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Exposure to lit fireworks can result in severe burns or trauma.
• Anyone lighting fireworks should follow package instructions.
• Wear eye protection and keep a fire suppressant close by.
• Only one firework should be lit at a time.
• A dud should never be relit.
• Fireworks should be stored in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Pets should be kept indoors and away from fireworks altogether. Many pets are fearful of loud noises and can become lost, scared or disoriented during celebrations.

For residents celebrating by the water, drowning can happen quickly and silently. Unless rescued, it could take as little as 20 to 60 seconds for a drowning person to submerge. Be “water smart” and build confidence in the water by learning to be safer, making good choices, learning to swim and knowing how to handle emergencies.

• Parents should prevent unsupervised access to water, provide constant and active adult supervision and know how to swim.
• Never leave a young child unattended near water, and do not trust a child’s life to another child.
• Swim in an area with lifeguards.
• Designate a “water watcher” whose sole responsibility is to keep a close eye and constant attention on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.
• Always wear your life jacket on a boat and if you are in a situation beyond your skill level.
• In the event of an emergency, reach or throw an object to the person in trouble and tell them to grab on to it. Don’t go in. You could become a victim yourself.

You can find more summer safety tips at redcross.org/summersafety.

Finally, download the free Red Cross Emergency app which includes National Weather Service alerts, help locating Red Cross shelters and more, all available in English or Spanish, and designed with accessibility in mind.

Our free First Aid App puts expert advice for common emergencies at your fingertips. You can access new lifesaving First Aid content and locate your nearest hospital in case of emergency. Select English or Spanish language with an in-app toggle. Download both by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or at 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.