June 30, 2010
Fire & Food on the Fourth
Once a year my husband takes an annual “male bonding trip” with our twins and their octogenarian grandfather to a small cottage by the lake. Grilling out over hot coals is part of this summer tradition as it is for many families, especially this holiday weekend. Unfortunately, accidental fires are also too common as they discovered the next day. My son went to play ball outside and noticed some smoke beside the cottage. Suddenly, the coals from the cookout the night before burst into flames. Luckily Louie’s sports obsession put him in the exact location so that he could alert grandpa and put out the fire. Many are not so lucky when it comes to accidental fires, especially around a holiday.
More fires are reported on 4th of July than any other single day with half of these caused from fireworks. In fact 7,000 people each year get treated for 4th of July related accidents.
Dr. Deb 4th of July Safety Tips
1. Defuse the Fireworks
Never let kids light Fireworks
40% of people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15.
Teens aged 15 to 19 and children aged 5 to 9 have the highest injury rate.
Sparklers and novelties accounted for 32% of the emergency room fireworks injuries in 2007 and are the most common cause of injury in children less than 5. Sparklers can reach temperatures over 1200 degrees causing severe burns.
Always have a Bucket of water on hand
Soak all fireworks in water after use and don’t let kids pick them up
Never relight a “dud” firecracker
Never light homemade Firecrackers
Illegal fireworks may go by the names M-80, M100, blockbuster, or quarter pounder. These explosives were banned in 1966, but still account for many fireworks injuries including this man who lost both of his hands while trying to make his own fireworks. Watch this video
Don‘t leave fireworks in your pocket as Friction could set them off as even the fuse has powder in it
Don’t light fireworks on dry grass
Never point or throw fireworks at someone else
Only light firecracker outside on a flat surface, never in your hand.
Wear Eye protection
If an injury to the eye should occur, don’t touch or rub it, as this may cause even more damage. Cut out the bottom of a paper cup, place it around the eye and seek immediate medical care. Do not flush the eye out with water or attempt to put any ointment in it.
2. Avoid Funky Food: CLEAN-HOT-COLD
CLEAN
Keep plates clean and avoid cross contamination of cooked and non-cooked food.
Bring wash clothes and wipes to picnics
Wash before and after handling food and eating
Keep HOT HOT
Most food poisonings are from undercooked meat and contaminated eggshells. Completely thaw meat and poultry before grilling so it cooks more evenly. Thaw in the refrigerator or sealed packages in cold water, never on the counter.
Hamburgers made of ground beef and pork should reach 160 °F. All poultry should reach a minimum of 165 °F.
Marinade used on raw meat or poultry should be boiled first to destroy any harmful bacteria before used again on cooked meat.
Keep COLD COLD
In hot weather (above 90 °F), food should never sit out for more than 1 hour. 2 hours is the maximum time food should be left out in temperatures less than 90 degrees.
Bring a cooler with a lid and keep all cold food in it except when serving.
Mayo has a bad rap but commercially prepared is very safe. It can even be kept at room temperature because salt and vinegar produces a protective high acidity. Most food poisoning in salads comes from undercooked meat or potatoes. Homemade mayo may have a higher risk of food poisoning and given mayo its bad rap from contaminated, unpasteurized eggs and it is not as acidic as commercial mayo..
More grilling safety information here
More Government Safety Agency links here
3. Don’t Get Lit Up
Drinking alcohol is more dangerous in the summer as sun and dehydration exacerbates it effects.
Nationwide, there were 491 traffic related fatalities during the 4th of July weekend and 43 per cent involved a drunk driver.
Driving is not the only activity where alcohol should be avoided. Boating, grilling, supervising swimmers and fireworks all require alertness and coordination that is just not possible even with a few drinks.
4. Keep Fido Inside on the Fourth
Leave your dogs inside and away from the hazards of crowds, heat and loud noises. These are all very dangerous to your dog. Fireworks, matches, and even bug spray can all cause unnecessary harm.
Learn more ways to protect your pet here.
5. Water Down
Dehydration and heat stroke are very common in the summer months so bring plenty of water for all. Don’t forget sunscreen, hats and sunglasses for protection from the glaring rays.
Finally, water down any coals from the fire and don’t dump coals near leaves to avoid a fire like we had up at the lake cottage.
Celebrate the fourth of July with a bang but safely!
Check out my summer safety blog for more tips!
Dr. Deb
