The 4th of July weekend will be filled with celebrations.
People will be spending time outdoors in their backyards, taking trips to the park or lake and cooking out.
The Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services reminds individuals who are spending time outside in the heat to be sure and use and reapply sunscreen often, drink plenty of fluids and stay in the shade during the hottest parts of the day.
If you’re going swimming, remember to supervise children, swim with a buddy and use US Coast-Guard approved life jackets.
Judy Martin, Deputy Director over Community and Environmental Health, shares some grilling safety tips.
"It’s always important to clean all your work surfaces, your utensils. Certainly washing your hands with soap and water before cooking. Using separate plates and utensils for raw meat so you’re not using the same plate you carried out the burgers on to throw on the grill, not throwing those burgers back on that same plate. And then always chilling and refrigerating leftovers right away and not leaving food out at room temperature for very long.”
Martin says many people believe the color of the meat inside their hamburgers indicates whether it is safe to eat.
But, she says USDA studies have found that one in four hamburgers turns brown before it has reached a safe internal temperature. Because of that, the USDA advises using a meat thermometer to be sure your food is thoroughly cooked.
Before you set off any fireworks on the 4th, there are some important safety tips to keep in mind.
Ray Nance is the Public Information and Education Officer for the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Nance says you should only use legal fireworks, take it slow and light one at a time and always have a bucket of water or a hose handy for emergencies.
"If children are going to be setting fireworks off, they have to be under direct parental supervision. That means the parent has to be beside them, guiding them and coaching them. That would be number 1. Number 2, never point or throw fireworks at anyone else. The sparklers can burn anywhere from 1400-2000 degrees in temperature, making them extremely dangerous. That’s over the melting point of glass.”
Nance says you should always read and follow the directions for fireworks. He says never try to relight “duds” and do not drink if you are setting off fireworks.
Prohibited fireworks include rockets with a stick attached and nighttime parachutes.
More 4th of July safety tips are available at the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services website, dhhs.ne.gov.