4TH of July Safety Tips/Pets

Let's be safe, here are a few tips from the Red Cross:

It’s time for Fourth of July celebrations – fireworks, a backyard barbecue, maybe a trip to the beach. Whatever people have planned, the American Red Cross wants them to enjoy their holiday and has steps they can follow to be safe.

“We want everyone to have a great holiday, and a safe one,” said Alison Bono, Central and Northern Michigan Regional Director of Communication. “Whether the weekend will involve fireworks, grilling or going to the seashore, we have safety tips everyone can follow.”

FIREWORKS SAFETY The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show. Many states outlaw most fireworks. If someone is setting fireworks off at home, they should follow these safety steps:
Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

GRILLING SAFETY Every year people in this country are injured while using backyard charcoal or gas grills. Follow these steps to safely cook up treats for the backyard barbecue:
Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
Never grill indoors – not in your house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.
Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.

BEACH SAFETY If someone’s visit to the shore includes swimming in the ocean, they should learn how to swim in the surf and only swim at a lifeguarded beach, within the designated swimming area. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Other safety tips include:
Keep alert for local weather conditions. Check to see if any warning signs or flags are posted.
Swim sober and always swim with a buddy.
Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
Protect the neck – don’t dive headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters.
Keep a close eye and constant attention on children and adults while at the beach. Wave action can cause someone to lose their footing, even in shallow water.
Watch out for aquatic life. Water plants and animals may be dangerous. Avoid patches of plants and leave animals alone.

RIP CURRENTS Rip currents are responsible for deaths on our nation’s beaches every year, and for most of the rescues performed by lifeguards. Any beach with breaking waves may have rip currents. Be aware of the danger of rip currents and remember the following:
If someone is caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until out of the current. Once free, they should turn and swim toward shore. If they can't swim to the shore, they should float or tread water until free of the rip current and then head toward shore.
Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist near these structures.

Additional water safety tips are available at redcross.org/watersafetytips

SUN PROTECTION Limit exposure to direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15. Reapply sunscreen often. Remember to drink plenty of water regularly, even if not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. Protect the eyes by wearing sunglasses that will absorb 100 percent of UV sunlight. Protect the feet - the sand can burn them and glass and other sharp objects can cut them.

During hot weather, watch for signs of heat stroke—hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing. If it’s suspected someone is suffering from heat stroke:
Call 9-1-1 and move the person to a cooler place.
Quickly cool the body by applying cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin (or misting it with water) and fanning the person.
Watch for signs of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.

DOWNLOAD FIRST AID APP Another thing people can do is download the free Red Cross first aid app which puts expert advice for everyday emergencies at someone’s fingertips. The app is available for direct download from the Apple or Google Play for Android app stores.

Happy Fourth IPTV Talk!!

A Lot Of Dogs Will Go Missing Over 4th Of July Weekend. Here Are 9 Tips To Make Sure Yours Won't.

Don't let the bright lights distract you on the fourth. According to the ASPCA, many dogs will go missing over Independence Day weekend.

The day-long celebrations that roll into nighttime, the booming sounds of fireworks, and unsupervised exits in a pet owner's home all contribute to this phenomenon, animal trainer Nicole Ellis, who works for DogVacay told The Huffington Post.

"Dogs are instinctively flight animals," Ellis said. In other words, they'll want to run and hide when they're scared, not face the mysterious noises coming from the sky. Whether you're hosting a party or not, there are several security measures you can take before the celebrations begin to ensure your pup is safe, sound and around for behind-the-ear scratches come Monday. Check them out below.

1. Take your dog for a nice, long walk before the festivities start.
"A tired dog is a more relaxed dog," said Ellis. The more exercise your four-legged pal gets before the party starts, the more sleepy he'll be, meaning he'd rather lie down in a comfy spot in the living room than pace anxiously by the door. Walk your pup in an area he's used to and seems to enjoy.

2. Don't give your pooch any new experiences today
You might be tempted to take your pet to a new part of town to really wear him out, but this may exacerbate his discomfort. Ellis said your dog will already have to adjust to the new sounds and perhaps new people around the house, so it's smart to keep everything else within his routine.

3. Stay calm for your dog's sake.
Your dog freaking out about the sound of fireworks may make you feel unsettled, but it's important to keep your emotions in check. "If you're nervous about your dog's reaction, your dog will be nervous even before he hears the fireworks," Ellis said. Speak to him in a happy, upbeat tone and be confident. Your pet picks up on your emotional cues, so maintaining a "chill" demeanor is your best bet if you want him to follow suit.

4. Check his tags.
You should routinely make sure your dog's tags are secure and easy-to-read, but if there's a particular time to do it, it's before these patriotic parties kick off. Ellis said it's crucial that the contact numbers on his collar are up-to-date and that everything is legible. If you don't have time to get a new nameplate made (places like PetCo and PetSmart make it very easy), purchase a metal-rimmed key ring or use an old luggage tag temporarily. You'll want to include a cell phone number, and maybe even your party host's phone number, on the tag to make sure you can be reached immediately.

5. Keep your pup at home.
A lot of people think it’ll be really fun to bring their dogs out to the picnic that turns into the fireworks show, Ellis said, but for your dog, this is a scene of the unknown, where he may be uncomfortable and easily startled. "I would not suggest bringing your dog out to an activity," Ellis said, stressing that his home is the place where your pooch will be most comfortable. While it's not always possible, it'd be ideal if you could stay home, too, she suggested. This way, you could give your pooch a lot of attention and love, reminding him that he's safe. And if you're home, you can distract your dog with noises from the TV or his favorite game.

6. Hosting? Be very aware of the exits.
You're dog may be thrilled to have the company and random petting of your 10 closest friends, but that doesn't mean he won't be tempted to sneak out at some point. And that could definitely ruin the party. "Other people aren't looking out for your dog," Ellis said, "so make sure you're alert." Since your pet is your number one priority, keep him in a place where outside doors aren't accessible. Make sure the windows and doors are extra secure and consider putting a note on the front door to remind guest about the animal's presence. If your pup is crate-trained and comfortable in his crate, he might like celebrating America's independence from inside it.

7. Mind the food.
If you're having people over, you'll probably be having snacks. Allowing your dog in only certain areas of the house is the safest way to ensure he doesn't munch on something dangerous. Classic party foods like chocolate, beer and ribs (among a host of other munchies) can really harm your pet. If you keep him away from the food, you won't have to constantly police your guests, asking them not to feed the dog.

8. Let your pet comfortably hide.
If your dog runs away from company and hides under the bed, don’t force him out or push him closer to the fireworks to try to make him comfortable with the sounds. This might make him even more distressed.

9. Hire a pet sitter.
If you're really concerned about your pet's safety and comfort, research some pet sitting services in your area (the sooner, the better). The trained experts will keep your pal occupied and you won't have to worry about his well-being while you're out celebrating.

Good Stuff...:)
thanks buddy

My doggie gets freaked out every fourth so my tip is to have the TV loud before the major fireworks starts so that acclimates him to the noise!!

i give one dog a half pill or would have heart attack on 4 go to vet each yr to get it

I saw the pic of your Doggie asf on beta, he/she looks like a sweetheart!!

Good safety tip is don't let go of that Cherry Bomb after you lite the fuse ........You can really feel the experience

Or don't tie a M50 to your sister's barbie if you don't want to be grounded!!personal experience when i was a kid!!

Good words from everyone .my tip is try to take your pet outside as much a possible to do there Business .and start off before the 4th because the fireworks will be going off all weekend

yup my dogs are hiding now one big bang like i said before the vet will give them a pill to help that night i do it every yr