Happy 4th of July! If you’re like us, you’re probably planning outdoor activities to enjoy the holiday with family and friends. The key to having a memorable and safe holiday is to remind yourself of a few safety and security tips. Implementing these tips could turn your holiday into the fun event you want it to be, rather than a disastrous day that no one can forget and for all of the wrong reasons.

Keep the Lights On

Home automation apps are a game changer when it comes to keeping your home safe from afar. If you head out to a 4th of July party, the beach, a fireworks display or on vacation, home automation apps allow you to turn on TVs, stereos and lights so it appears as if you’re home. Froula’s customers use Honeywell Total Connect, an app that works with our home alarm and video surveillance systems.

Fireworks

Before you buy and set off fireworks in your yard, the local park or your neighborhood, check out the state and local regulations first. Click here to visit the MRSC Roster’s website to learn about firework regulations in Washington state. In areas where fireworks are legal, always have an adult on site to supervise setting off the fireworks – these are not kid’s toys! The National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends wearing goggles. They also suggest keeping a bucket of water on hand to dunk spent fireworks so they don’t start a fire on the ground.  The NCFS also says don’t carry fireworks in your pocket. Don’t shoot fireworks into glass or metal containers.

On the Water

Keep everyone safe in the water by wearing life jackets in boats. Make sure kids who don’t know how to swim also wear life jackets, even if they stay in the shallow end of the pool. If you have a pool on your property, install a life-saving insulated device in case someone gets electrocuted. See our recent blog post about this tip as well as others to protect your family and guests from electrical shock drowning. 

Grilling

Planning to heat up the grill on the 4th? Charcoal and gas grills are not toys for children. Make sure both your pets and your kids stay away from the grill, which means supervising it constantly. Keep grills outside and away from overhanging porches, deck rails and vegetation that could catch fire.  If you use a charcoal grill, make sure the grill is covered or the coals cool before heading indoors for the night.

Landscaping

If you’re decorating your yard with flowers, shrubs or other landscaping, make sure they don’t block windows or doors. Otherwise, vegetation, trees and shrubs that hide windows and doors may draw burglars who use the cover to lay in wait to break into your home.