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Stay safe this Fourth of July

Each year, children and adults alike look forward to celebrating the Fourth of July with parades, picnics, and fireworks. While fireworks are fun and exciting, they’re also very dangerous. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), on average, 280 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the holiday.

Enjoy the holiday and keep yourself and your family safe this year by leaving the fireworks to trained professionals. Attending a fireworks display in your community, rather than hosting your own, is the best way you can enjoy the thrill of fireworks safely. If you do choose to buy and light fireworks, please:

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Read and follow label directions.
• Don’t allow children to touch fireworks of any kind, including sparklers, as they burn at temperatures of 1,200-2,000°F.
• Don’t use fireworks while drinking alcohol or using other drugs.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Have a bucket of water and a hose nearby.
• Don’t attempt to re-light a "dud" firework. Instead, wait 15 to 20 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water and throw it away.

This Fireworks Safety Fact Sheet from CPSC provides more information on the risks of fireworks and how to keep your family safe.

Keep your kids safe this summer

The final school bell has rung, and kids are out of school for the summer. As the weather gets nicer and the days get longer, there are a lot of great outdoor activities to keep your kids active and entertained. There are so many benefits from the fresh air and exercise, but there are also some risks. Check out these safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and keep your kids safe this summer.

• Playground Safety
• Swim Safety
• Sun Safety and Protection
• Heat Stress
• Insect Bite and Repellant Safety

Then visit healthychildren.org for these additional articles.

• Summer Safety Tips: Staying Safe Outdoors
• Bicycle Safety: Myths and Facts
• Bicycle Helmets: What Every Parent Should Know
• How to Get your Child to Wear a Bicycle Helmet
• Drowning Prevention for Curious toddlers: What Parents Need to Know
• Water Safety for Teens
• Lightning & Sports Safety: When Thunder Roars Go Indoors

National Insurance Awareness Day

Friday, June 28 is National Insurance Awareness Day. This is the perfect opportunity to review your insurance policies to make sure you have adequate coverage. It’s important to make sure you’re protected. If it’s time to update your personal or business policies, an independent insurance agent can help! Click here to find one near you.