Story last updated at 7/4/2012 - 1:42 pm
To avoid wildfires and any other holiday disasters, Red Cross of Alaska recommends the following safety tips:
Fireworks Safety - To help stay safe while enjoying fireworks, follow these safety steps:
• Never give fireworks to small children and always follow the instructions on the packaging. • Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Never throw or point fireworks toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
• Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.
Grilling Safety - If a picnic and grilled goodies are part of someone's holiday plans, they should follow these steps:
• Always watch the barbecue grill when in use.
• Never grill indoors - not in a house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
• Make sure children and pets stay away from the grill.
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe. • Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
