Newswise — Take extra care at your Fourth of July celebration to ensure that accidents do not interfere with holiday fun. Dr. Roger Yurt, director of the Hearst Burn Center of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, recommends the following safety tips for barbecues and fireworks: If you are planning to barbecue:
* If you're using a propane gas grill, inspect your propane tank and hoses for leaks, dents, cracks or corrosion.
* Always light the match before turning on the propane gas.
* Never use your grill indoors or under any structures that may catch fire, such as patio covers.
* Never smoke cigarettes or use matches or lighters near the grill.
* If you're using a charcoal grill, use water to make sure that coals are extinguished and be careful never to dispose of briquettes that are still hot.
* Avoid loose clothing while grilling, especially long sleeves.
* Parental supervision is essential -- keep all children away from the grill.
Fireworks add festivity to a Fourth of July celebration, but a public fireworks display is safer and more dazzling than trying to do it yourself. Keep in mind that:
* Fireworks and sparklers should be handled by trained professionals. Sparklers can get as hot as 1,200 degrees!
* Stay at least 500 feet away from the display.
* Remind children that if they find used fireworks or sparklers -- do not touch!
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