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4th of July Safety Tips
Declare Your Independence from Accidental Injuries
Happy Birthday, America!
On July 4th, 1776, 242 years ago, our founding fathers declared that all men had the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. At Altus Emergency Centers we want everyone to join in on our nation’s birthday celebration in the safest way possible.
This 4th of July, we urge you to plan your celebration safely, your life and that of your loved ones deserve to be lived to its full potential, but, an accidental injury or illness can destroy your plans for the future in mere seconds.
To help you organize a safe and enjoyable celebration follow these safety tips:[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”25490″ size=”full”][vc_column_text]
Summer Food Safety Tips
Cookouts are a staple of 4th of July celebrations, and we always say the more, the merrier, but one guest you certainly don’t want at your party is salmonella.
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella is one of the most common bacteria found in improperly cooked foods. Salmonella can quickly grow on foods like eggs, fish, poultry, and other high-protein foods including beans.
Most of the cases of salmonellosis occur during the summer months, a significant number of cases are a result of not refrigerating foods both before cooking and after they are cooked. See the salmonella bacteria can easily grow on any high-protein food that is not stored at the right temperature.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”25497″ size=”full”][vc_column_text]Symptoms of Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is not usually not fatal, symptoms will manifest 12-36 hours after eating the contaminated food and include:
- – A Headache
- – Nausea and Vomiting
- – Abdominal Pain
- – Diarrhea
- – Fever
[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”25496″ size=”full”][vc_column_text]How to Prevent Salmonellosis
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling raw foods
Don’t rinse raw poultry meats as you are more likely to spread the germs around the kitchen
Cook Food Properly
Follow this chart to ensure any bacteria is destroyed during cooking:[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
| Type of Food | Minimum Temperature |
| Eggs | 160°F |
| Ground Meats | 160°F |
| Pultry and fowl | 165°F |
| Fresh Meats – Steaks, Chops & Roasts | 145°F |
| Fish & Shellfish | 145°F |
| Rabbit | 160°F |
| Fresh Ham | 160°F |
| Reheat Pre-cooked ham | 140°F |
* Source: Partnership for Food Safety Education.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Deck Safety Tips
Decks take center stage during the summer months, but, this outdoor space can take a beating all year-round from sunlight, rain, wind, and other elements that over time can add up to accident-causing damage.
Although fatal deck collapses are rare, deck-related injuries are not. From something as small as a wood splinter to a broken bone from falling off a deck, at Altus Emergency Centers we’ve treated all sorts of outdoor deck-related injuries.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”25492″ size=”full”][vc_column_text]
Deck Safety Tips to ensure the safety of your friends and family this 4th of July.
Take time each year to inspect and maintain your deck space, check for things like:
- – Missing Lag Screws
- – Missing Joist Nails
- – Rotting Posts
- – Weak Joints
- – Excessive Wobble
- – Weak Railings
[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”25493″ size=”full”][vc_column_text]Be very careful while grilling on the deck, remember to:
- – Keep the grill away from any flammable surfaces including wood railings
- – Never grill under low hanging tree branches
- – Don’t leave the grill unattended
- – Don’t use gasoline, lighter fluid, or other flammable substances to light your grill
Fireworks Safety Tips
We are just going to come out and say it, there is no such thing as a safe firework, even those cute sparklers can cause severe burns, especially in children, after all, they burn at 2000 degrees!
At Altus Emergency Centers every year we treat countless firework-related injuries that include, mild to severe burns, lacerations, and even partial amputations. This 4th of July why not plan to go see a professional firework display rather than having one at home.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”25494″ size=”full”][vc_column_text]If you live in an area where the selling of fireworks is allowed, and insist on buying some for your home celebration, here is what you can do to prevent any injuries:
- – Never let your kids play or light fireworks, instead, try giving them glow sticks and bracelets
- – Create a Safety Zone, keep your kids, pets, and guests at a safe distance from where you are lighting the fireworks, remember not to burn a firework close to trees, shrubs, and other flammable surfaces.
- – Light the fireworks one at a time and move away from it after it has been ignited.
- – Keep a garden hose or bucket of water handy, and always douse any duds.
- – Never throw or point a firework at another person or animal.
Know Where to Go In the Event of an Emergency
Much like our founding fathers thought we should declare independence from the tyrannical government of the British Empire, the staff of Altus Emergency Centers thinks it’s time for you and your family to declare independence from Accidental Injuries and preventable illnesses. We want ya’ll to go out and safely pursue your happiness this 4th of July, and every day after that!
Happy Fourth of July from all of Us!
If you are ever in need of quality emergency care, you will not have to wait in line at Altus Emergency Centers. All of our ERs are fully equipped and open 24/7.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”25495″ size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]