Community Corner

Beer, Sun, Bugs, Heat: How to Avoid Fourth of July Disaster

With Fourth of July weekend coming up, keep in mind these health and safety tips from the Baltimore County Department of Health.

Temperatures are rising, and with the Fourth of July weekend here,  the Baltimore Department of Health is offering some hot weather reminders to help you stay cool and away from the heat:

1. Safe Kids

  • Never leave your child in a parked, unattended car.
  • When using approved hand-held and ground-based fireworks keep children at a distance.
  • Keep an eye on young children when spending time at the pool.
  • Keep children hydrated with water. 

2. Safe Family

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  • If you go to a large event, decide on a meeting point in case anyone gets separated from the group.  
  • Don't drink alcoholic beverages in excess; they increase risk of dehydration.
  • Avoid mosquito bites by using skin or clothing repellents; follow instructions on the label.

3.  Safe Food

  • Wash hands and surfaces often.
  • Keep hot food hot and cold food cold.
  • Cook all food to the appropriate temperature.
  • Do not defrost food at room temperature. Place foods that need to defrost in the refrigerator.

4.  Safe Pets

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  • Never leave your pet in the car.
  • Avoid taking pets to fireworks displays, parades and neighborhood cookouts.
  • Make sure that your dog and cat are wearing a license and up-to-date identification tags. Check your pet's tags to make sure that they are still legible, and consider micro-chipping as an extra insurance policy.
For the rest of the summer, the Health Department has some hot weather reminders:
  • Never leave a child or pet in an unattended car.
  • Check on elderly or chronically ill family members, friends and neighbors to make sure they are okay.
  • Visit a cooling center in Baltimore County or consider visiting family, friends or an air-conditioned public building.
  • Stay hydrated with water or fruit juices.
  • Keep your home cool by preparing foods that require minimal cooking.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing, a hat and sunglasses when outdoors.
  • Use sunscreen and reapply often when spending time in the pool or sweating excessively.
  • Limit outdoor activity when the temperatures and humidity are extremely high.
  • Make sure you take care of your pets by providing plenty of water and appropriate shelter.
  • Take time to prepare or reevaluate your emergency preparedness kit.  Make sure you have enough water to last you at least three days, a flashlight and a battery-powered radio.
Not sure where to stay cool? The Health Department recommends Baltimore County Senior Centers (open to the public, regardless of age, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Baltimore County Public Library's 19 branches (open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.).

Other places to cool off include community centers, churches, malls, movie theaters, museums, neighbor's home with air conditioning and restaurants.

Check out more of the Health Department's health and safety resources.


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