American Red Cross volunteers responded to two home fires in Watseka and Washington in the past week and provided assistance to six people through supplying them with items to meet immediate needs after a fire, and additional support in the form of health and mental health services and one-on-one recovery support.

Visit redcross.org/fire for information on setting up your home fire escape drill and to learn more about home fire safety. Download our free Emergency app by searching for “American Red Cross” in app stores or visiting redcross.org/apps.

Please call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) if you or someone you know needs assistance after a home fire or local disaster.

Fourth of July Safety

It will soon be time to celebrate Independence Day. What do your plans include? Are you going to the local fireworks display? Maybe you’re looking forward to some fun in the water. The American Red Cross wants you to enjoy a fun-packed, safe 4th of July and offers these tips you can follow during the upcoming holiday:

Fireworks safety: The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public firework show put on by professionals. Many states outlaw most fireworks, especially in dry climates prone to forest fires. Consider celebrating with glow sticks, noise makers or silly string instead. If you are setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:

• Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
• 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.

Grill safety:

• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
• Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to help keep the chef safe.
• Wash your hands before preparing the food.
• Don’t leave food out in the hot sun. Keep perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs.

For additional tips, including water safety, beach safety, picnic safety and water park safety, visit redcross.org/watersafety. Enjoy your holiday safely!

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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