🎆 MAKING FIREWORKS ON THE FOURTH – SAFELY!!!

Independence Day is fast approaching, and we at KONA want to make sure you’re ready for all those Fourth of July celebrations! Fireworks, BBQ’s, picnics, family reunions and parades are some of the things that come to mind when we talk about our Fourth of July celebrations.

It seems as if everyone is doing something or going somewhere. We’ve put together a few tips for you to use so that your celebrations are fun AND safe!

1. If you will be having fireworks, make sure that there is ample adult supervision for the kids. Sparkler injuries account for one quarter of all emergency room visits related to fireworks. We give them to the kids to hold and wave around, but these things really burn!!

When lighting the fireworks keep your fingers away from the ignition by using a longer lighter, such as the Kona Pencil Torch, rather than getting too close with a cigarette lighter or match. Please be careful!

2. Always keep a bucket of water, a hose or a fire extinguisher nearby if you are planning to set off fireworks. If your fireworks should malfunction or catch fire, be sure to douse quickly with the water or fire extinguisher.

3. Designate a kid-free zone around your grill. Children will be excited and running around, and a trip or fall into the grill could have devastating results. Better to be safe than sorry!

When cleaning your grill, be safe with our new Kona Safe/Clean Ceramic/Nylon Grill Brush with Scraper or our original Safe/Clean Bristle Free Grill Brush!

4. The first rule of lighting a gas grill is to keep the lid raised when lighting. This is VERY important! If you don’t leave the lid open, the gas can build up in the grill chamber and cause an explosion.

5. If you will be boating, always double check before shoving off to make sure there is a life preserver for each person on board. Make sure your passengers know where the life preservers are, and make sure that everyone knows how to use them.

6. If you will be having a pool party, take a few steps beforehand so that your celebration stays safe. Make sure your guests are aware of your pool rules, such as no diving, no running, and swimming with a buddy.

Have the adults rotate shifts watching the children in the pool. The Red Cross offers pool/water safety, first aid and CPR courses. Taking these courses could be a lifesaver!

7. Picnics are super fun, but follow a few rules to keep them safe. Bring plenty of water to drink, but also to wash hands and to wipe down tables and other eating surfaces. Make sure to keep raw foods separated to avoid cross-contamination.

Wash your hands well after handling the raw foods. Keep your perishable items cold and avoid leaving them out in the heat too long or they will start to spoil. The Kona Inflatable Ice Service Bar is great for keeping all your perishable items cold for hours!

8. Everyone loves a parade! We forget that there are hidden dangers that we need to be aware of. Before leaving the car, pick a meeting spot in case you get separated in the crowd. Make sure to wear sunscreen since you may be standing in the hot sun for quite a while.

Pack some water and snacks for when the kids get hungry and thirsty! And finally, if you see something, say something. Bring any unusual or suspicious activity to the attention of the police or security. Enjoy that great Fourth of July parade and celebrate our independence!

9. If you will be having a family reunion, remember that there will be many different age groups attending your party. Mix up your music so that everyone is happy! Have activities geared towards the different ages such as a water slide for the kids, horseshoes for the middle ages, and croquet for the more elderly in the group.

Make sure to have plenty of fluids so that no one becomes dehydrated in the summer heat. Bring photo albums so that everyone can reminisce and remember all the goods times you’ve all had in the past!