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June 30, 2023 - Fourth of July Health and Safety Reminders
Brown County Public Health would like to help the community keep everyone safe and healthy this upcoming holiday! Whether you are grilling out, lakeside, poolside or enjoying the great outdoors, you can take steps to protect yourself and others from getting sick!
Here are five quick tips to have a safe and healthy celebration:
Monitor the air quality:
- Be air aware this 4th of July! Air quality conditions may change rapidly over the next few days. It is important to pay close attention to the air quality in your area and take action, especially if you don’t feel well. You can check www.airnow.gov for real time updates where you live or where you’re traveling to.
- Avoid mosquito bites by applying an insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to exposed skin and clothing. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning hours, when mosquitoes that spread the West Nile virus are most active. Wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to keep mosquitoes away from your skin. Learn more about the West Nile Virus here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/mosquito/wnv.htm
- Whether you’re barbecuing, grilling, cooking, or eating outdoors it’s important to always keep food safety in mind. Bacteria in food multiply faster at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, so the summer heat can pose a problem. Here are some easy things you can do to help keep everyone at your table safe from foodborne illness: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/barbecue-basics-tips-prevent-foodborne-illness
- Take steps to stay cool in the heat if you plan on being outdoors. Drink plenty of water on hot days. Do regular check-ins with loved ones, especially young children, and older adults. Avoid the hottest part of the day—if you want to be outside, stick to the cooler morning and evening hours. Stay informed about your local weather forecasts so you can plan outdoor activities safely. Pay attention to extreme heat alerts. More heat safety guidance can be found here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/climate/heat-safety.htm
- Keep you, your loved ones, and your pets safe! Don’t swim if there is a red sign that says “Beach Closed” or where water is discolored, or has scum, foam, or dead fish. Wash off with clean water after swimming, and rinse off pets with clean water if they swim in discolored or scummy water. Also never drink or swallow the water from a lake or a pool. Learn more here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/water/bg-algae/resources.htm
