As Individuals gear up for a protracted Fourth of July weekend — with the vacation falling on a Friday this 12 months — AAA is urging householders to prioritize security amid yard cookouts, pool events, and fireworks celebrations.
The Independence Day weekend is a time of patriotic celebration, but additionally probably the most harmful occasions of the 12 months for property harm and private harm, in response to AAA – The Auto Membership Group. The group is warning of widespread holiday-related hazards and providing tricks to cut back the danger of accidents.
“Whereas this vacation is a time of celebration, it additionally brings a spike in house insurance coverage claims associated to fires, water accidents, and different hazards,” mentioned Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA. “With so many festivities taking place at house, it’s important that individuals take proactive steps to guard their property and family members.”
🔥 Grilling Fires Peak in July
Yard barbecues are a staple of July 4th festivities, however AAA notes that July can also be the height month for grill-related fires. The group advises householders to by no means go away a grill unattended, hold youngsters and pets at a protected distance, and at all times grill outside—properly away from properties, decks, or timber. Lengthy-handled instruments, a close-by hearth extinguisher, and a hose or bucket of water are additionally must-haves.
🎆 Fireworks: Benefit from the Present, Go away It to the Execs
Fireworks stands out as the spotlight of the night, however additionally they spark hundreds of fires annually. In 2022 alone, fireworks had been chargeable for greater than 31,000 fires, together with over 3,500 construction fires, and almost $109 million in property harm, in response to the Nationwide Hearth Safety Affiliation (NFPA).
AAA advises attending skilled shows as a substitute of lighting fireworks at house. Should you do use fireworks, hold them removed from properties, vehicles, and dry brush. Sparklers, which might burn hotter than a blowtorch, ought to by no means be dealt with by youngsters. Alcohol and fireworks additionally don’t combine.
“A number of precautions can hold the night time dazzling with out undesirable explosions,” Jenkins mentioned.
🏊♂️ Extra Suggestions for a Safer Vacation
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Pool Security: At all times supervise youngsters, use flotation units, and set up security limitations.
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Meals Security: Cook dinner meats completely, keep away from cross-contamination, and refrigerate leftovers promptly.
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Pet Security: Maintain pets indoors to scale back stress from fireworks noise.
AAA additionally recommends reviewing your property insurance coverage coverage forward of the weekend to make sure you’re lined for hearth or water-related incidents. For extra info and security ideas, go to AAA.com/Insurance.
