The Utah Safety Council would like to remind Utahns that they can ensure a safer and more fun holiday by observing extra safety precautions regarding four common dangers surrounding the Fourth of July weekend.

Fireworks

To help reduce the number of fireworks-related injuries, The Utah Safety Council encourages Utahns to safely use legal fireworks, to never buy or use illegal fireworks and to keep fireworks out of the hands of children. Many parents don't realize that sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.

A fun way to keep children out of harm's way and still included in afterdark activities is to provide glow sticks or glow-in-the-dark sidewalk chalk.

Boating

Utah may be hot, but don't be tempted to forgo wearing a life jacket on any boating activity. Accidents happen quickly, and usually there isn't time to put on a life jacket once an accident has occurred. Statistics consistently show that 80 percent of those who perished in boating accidents were not wearing life jackets.

Even if your outing to the lake doesn't include a boat, you may consider putting life jackets on children who will be spending time near water.

Heat

Reduce strenuous outdoor activities or reschedule them to the coolest times of the day - early morning or late evening. Start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Remember to rest frequently in a shady area. Don't ever leave pets or small children in a closed vehicle, even with the windows partially rolled down. The air temperature can reach 140-190 degrees within 30 minutes on a hot, sunny day - causing brain damage and death in a matter of minutes.

Traffic safety

When most Utahns think of the Fourth of July, they envision Independence Day festivities, picnics, fireworks, family gatherings and road trips. What they don't think about is road safety.

Last year, there were five fatalities in Utah during the holiday weekend according to the Utah Department of Public Safety. While motor vehicle crashes increase during summer months, the July Fourth holiday is always a deadly time on Utah's roadways.

A key factor in these crashes is alcohol misuse. To help keep friends and family safe, make sure that anyone who has been drinking has a designated driver and that everyone buckles up; every trip, every time. Law enforcement officers will be out in full force targeting drunken driving and participating in the Click it or Ticket campaign.

For more information on a variety of occupational, home, community and traffic safety topics - visit www.utahsafetycouncil.org, or call (800) 933-5943.