The Florida Department of Health has issued a reminder for residents and visitors to take safety precautions while celebrating Independence Day. The department emphasized the importance of being mindful of heat, water, fireworks, mosquitoes, and food safety during the holiday weekend.
Officials advised people to recognize signs of heat-related illness such as headaches, dizziness, weakness, confusion, or vomiting. They recommended seeking shade or air conditioning during peak sun hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration, using sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and reapplying it often, and never leaving children or pets unattended in vehicles.
For those spending time near water, the department stressed that children should never be left alone around pools or open bodies of water. Open cuts should not be exposed to water due to risk of infection; if a wound occurs in the water, it should be cleaned immediately and covered with a waterproof bandage. Beachgoers were reminded to pay attention to flag warnings indicating surf conditions and marine life hazards.
Firework safety was also highlighted. The department stated: "Never allow young children to handle fireworks. Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear. Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands. Never light fireworks indoors. Keep fireworks away from people, houses, and flammable material. Never point or throw fireworks at another person. Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding. Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire."
With summer being peak mosquito season in Florida—and following locally acquired malaria cases in Sarasota County—the department urged people to apply bug spray, wear long sleeves and pants, and avoid areas with high mosquito populations.
Food safety recommendations included washing hands thoroughly before and after handling raw foods; separating raw meats from other foods; keeping hot foods above 140 degrees Fahrenheit; storing cold items below 40 degrees Fahrenheit; and refrigerating perishable food within two hours (or one hour if temperatures exceed 90 degrees).
The Florida Department of Health is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and works through state, county, and community efforts to protect public health across Florida.
For more information about the department’s work visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.