Fourth of July: Celebrate safely

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Marcy Copeland
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, ARIZONA --  On July 4th, America will celebrate its 239th birthday with festivities across the country. They may include fireworks, swimming, boating, camping, picnics, barbeques, consumption of alcohol and travel.

"From 2009 to 2013 during the summer months of June through September, the Air Force had three fatalities," said Ben Bruce, 56th Fighter Wing Ground Safety ground safety manager. "There were 62 injuries which resulted in the cost of $369,003."

Fireworks
According to the National Safety Council, in 2010, fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 reported fires, including 1,100 structure fires. These fires resulted in an estimated 8,600 people treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries, 61 percent of whom were over age 15.

If the plan is to set off fireworks, be sure to observe city laws, or if uncertain, contact the city's local fire department regarding rules and regulations. If living on base, consult the 56th Fighter Wing Ground Safety Office, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron fire and emergency services or the 56th Security Forces Squadron.

Fireworks are not to be used within the confines of Luke Air Force Base. On holidays, licensed and bonded personnel will handle fireworks in accordance with National Fire Protection Association 1125 standards.

Here are a few safety tips to remember when using fireworks:

Never disassemble or try to make your own fireworks.
Avoid pointing sparklers or fireworks at yourself or others.
Light fireworks only on the ground and in areas that are fire resistant.
Do not attempt to light multiple devices at the same time.
Never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers.
Always keep a portable fire extinguisher close by. Also keep a water hose or buckets of water nearby to put out fires.

"Any time you combine fire, explosives and amateurs, and add more than a dash of alcohol in many cases, you're staring at that old standby 'recipe for disaster,'" said Ron Martin, 56th CES fire and emergency services assistant fire chief. "We see a lot of house and grass fires from bottle rockets, firecrackers and sparklers.

Bottle rockets and firecrackers can fly in any direction prior to exploding and sparklers burn at temperatures hot enough to melt gold. When a device is launched and lands on a roof or other location, it can ignite combustibles before being retrieved. Major hand, eye and burn injuries are often the result of using illegal fireworks, misusing fireworks or firework malfunctions."

Water
According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 2005 through 2009, there was an average of 3,533 fatal unintentional drownings annually in the United States which averages to about ten deaths per day. An additional 347 people died each year from drowning in boating-related incidents.

Here are some important things to remember when engaging in any type of water activity:
Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.

Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.

Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child's life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.

Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.

Maintain constant supervision.

Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and learn-to-swim courses.

If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers. Many children who drown in home pools were out of sight for less than five minutes and in the care of one or both parents at the time.

Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.

If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.

Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

Enroll in Red Cross home pool safety, water safety, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation/ automated external defibrillator courses to learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies.

Protect skin. Limit the amount of direct sunlight received between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and wear sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15.

Drink plenty of water regularly, even if not thirsty. Avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.

"Integrity first and responsibility are not mutually exclusive concepts," Bruce said. "It is quite the opposite. A person of integrity is a responsible person. When planning off-duty holiday celebrations, doing the 'right thing' is the action which will prevent mishaps. The Fourth of July is an important holiday in our country's history and celebrating safely is the responsibility of all Airmen."

With the prospect of a long holiday weekend, Airmen need to remain vigilant and safe.