Independence Day Safety

Independence Day is celebrated in the great outdoors. Picnics, parties and beach shindigs are popular for the holiday.

With all of the outdoor fun, how can you keep your family safe?

First, leave the fireworks shows to the professionals. Please don't use fireworks at home. They aren't worth the risk. There were 10,000 fireworks-related injuries in 2015. Sparklers reach 2000 degrees, so give your kids glow sticks instead. If your family insists on having fireworks in the backyard, be prepared for incidents. Keep viewers away from the lighting area. Have water buckets, a fire extinguisher or hose handy. Drink after the fireworks are over.

Second, biting bugs are rampant in the outdoor experience. Of the 3000 species of mosquitoes, only a few like to pester people. The problem is that those pests carry diseases. Get rid of stagnant water in your yard. Fix window screens so bugs can't come in the house. Don't dress your children in colorful outfits because those colors are bug targets.

Don't combine insect repellent and sunscreen together for your outdoor activities. Apply sunscreen first and let it soak in. Apply the insect repellent later. Be sure you don't apply chemical insect repellent to your baby.

Finally, watch out for stings. Know any bee and wasp sensitivities and be prepared for allergies. Generally, you can use a credit card to flick out a stinger. Clean the site with gentle soap and water. Apply some antihistamine cream or cortisone ointment if it still hurts.

Listen in as Dr. Deborah Mulligan shares how you can have a happy and safe holiday.