FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Betsy Cagle, (334) 206-3995
As Alabamians prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July next week, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) offers tips on safely enjoying traditional activities including swimming, barbecues, fireworks, and more.
Fireworks
Thousands of people are treated in emergency rooms each year for burns and injuries caused by the improper use of fireworks. To ensure a safe holiday, ADPH recommends leaving the fireworks shows to the professionals. However, if fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, please follow these safety tips:
For more fireworks safety tips, visit alabamapublichealth.gov/injuryprevention/holiday
Food Safety
As you get ready to fire up your grill, be sure to observe these four steps of food safety:
Find more food safety tips, including a list of safe minimum internal temperatures, at fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/safe-food-handling.
Water Safety
If your holiday plans include a trip to the pool, lake, or beach, keep these safety tips in mind.
General Swim Safety
Beach Safety
Preventing the Spread of Waterborne Illnesses
More healthy and safe swimming tips can be found at cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/ and alabamapublichealth.gov/injuryprevention/water.html.
Sun and Heat Safety
Too much exposure to the sun can be dangerous in a variety of ways. Follow these simple steps to prevent heat illnesses and skin cancer.
Heat Illnesses
When your body heats too rapidly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, you may experience a heat-related illness. Know the signs and symptoms so you can get help immediately:For more information on symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to prevent and treat them, visit alabamapublichealth.gov/injuryprevention/heat.html.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is one of the most common --- and preventable --- forms of cancer. A simple strategy combining the regular use of sunscreen, seeking shade during the peak hours of sun intensity, and wearing protective clothing and accessories can help prevent this deadly disease.
Get more information on preventing skin cancer at alabamapublichealth.gov/cancer/skin.html.
Driving Safety
If alcoholic beverages are included in your Fourth of July celebration, please remember that driving a car or operating a boat while impaired can have serious consequences for you and for those sharing the roads and waterways with you.
COVID-19
If your Fourth of July plans include large indoor gatherings with people you don’t live with, please remember that getting vaccinated and boosted is your best defense against serious illness or death from COVID-19. Regardless of your vaccination status, it is important to check your community levels at alabamaunites.com before attending gatherings. If you are not fully vaccinated or have not had your booster shots, consider wearing a mask if attending any large indoor gatherings.
ADPH wishes everyone a safe and fun Fourth of July!
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6/29/22
County health departments throughout Alabama provide a wide range of confidential and professional services. Contact your local county health department for additional information.
Mission: To promote, protect, and improve Alabama’s health
Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.