Redings Mill Fire Protection District

Most will stay dry each day this week, but there will be periods every day where isolated showers and thunderstorms will be possible.

Regardless of whether it's your first, twenty-fourth, or 250th Fourth of July, safety should always come first.

Celebrating with Uncle Buck can lead to cherished memories with family and friends, so let's ensure those moments are positive. Nobody wants to hear about mishaps that lead to hospital visits.

Keep cool and exercise caution when setting off fireworks to prevent becoming part of an annual statistic.

Perhaps it's that unique family secret side dish or the juicy burger you've been eagerly awaiting to have for months. Ensuring your Fourth of July cookout remains safe involves proper handling, cooking, and storage of food to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Fireworks aren’t the only danger; poor preparation and handling of food could land you in bed or the bathroom for the entire Fourth of July weekend. Heck, no one wants that; it’s the 250th!

• Keep hot foods above 140°F and cold foods below 40°F using chafing dishes, slow cookers, or coolers with ice.
• Marinate or defrost foods in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
• Cook to Safe Internal Temperatures: Use a food thermometer to ensure meats reach safe temperatures

Our members got to help and teach water safety at the River today. Boat safety, land safety, and water safety were the main topics. We got to have them feel what’s like to ride in a boat for the first time and enter and exit safely. Such a good time! Wildcat Glades

Pets are highly vulnerable to heat and can quickly suffer heatstroke, so it’s essential to provide water and shade and to avoid hot surfaces or cars.

Why Pets Are at Risk

Pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds, cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently as humans. Dogs primarily cool themselves by panting, while cats rely on grooming and limited sweating through their paws. High humidity, direct sun, and poor ventilation reduce their ability to cool down, making them prone to heat stress and heatstroke, which can be fatal within minutes.

Let's remember those furry friends and recognize if they're feeling hot!

Heat and Kids in Cars — Why It’s a Life-Threatening Danger

Leaving a child in a parked car is never safe, even in mild weather. Heatstroke can begin when a child’s body temperature reaches about 104°F, and death can occur at 107°F or higher. Children’s bodies heat up 3–5 times faster than adults’, making them far more vulnerable.

Don’t let a preventable event change a life forever.