American Red Cross urges public to stay safe during Independence Day

WASILLA — American Red Cross of Alaska is urging the public to exercise caution to safely celebrate Independence Day as residents across the state are planning to attend firework displays, public and private picnics, trips out to lakes, and other outdoor activities.

“We’re all looking forward to the 4th of July holiday. It’s a time for fun with friends and family,” American Red Cross of Alaska CEO Tanguy Libbrecht stated in a recent press release. “We here at the Red Cross want everyone to enjoy their celebration and to be safe.”

Picnic Safety

According to the press release, those planning picnic excursions are advised to thoroughly wash their hands before preparing food, avoid leaving food in the sun, and keep perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs.

Those that plan to cook on a grill should never cook indoors and keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.

Those that are using a grill should always supervise the equipment while in use, avoid adding starter fluid when coals have already been ignited, use long-handled tools that are designed for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe, and ensure that everyone, including pets, stay away from the grill.

Lake Safety

Those planning adventures at their favorite lakes are encouraged to monitor the weather and leave the water at the first sign of lightning or the rumble of thunder. The public is advised to stay indoors and away from water for 30 minutes after the last lightning flashes or thunder roars.

The Red Cross advocates planning ahead for any aquatic activities, swimming only at a lake with a designated lifeguard, obeying all instructions and orders from lifeguards and asking them about local conditions, and always assigning a “water watcher” whose sole responsibility is to monitor everyone in and around the water.

Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, avoid diving headfirst, and avoid aquatic wildlife.

Those that get caught in a rip current are urged to stay calm, avoid struggling, and attempt to swim parallel to the shore until they’re free of the current, and turn and swim to shore.

If they’re unable to swim to shore they should try to float or tread water until they’re free of the rip current and then head toward shore while drawing attention by waving their arms calling for help.

Those interested in free access to instant safety tips can download the American Cross First Aid and Swim apps.

For more information, visit redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/mobile-apps.html.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com