The Fourth of July holiday offers a time to celebrate our nation’s birthday and have fun with friends and family. Fireworks are a staple of the holiday, so keep the following tips in mind to celebrate safely.

• Check to make sure using fireworks are legal in your area.
• Only buy legal fireworks labeled with the manufacturer’s name.
• Make sure children only use sparklers outdoors and keep them away from face, hair and clothing. Sparklers can burn as hot as 2,000 degrees.
• Wear eye protection.
• Always use fireworks outdoors and have a bucket of water or water hose nearby. Stay away from people, in case of accidents from backfiring or fireworks shooting off in an unintended direction.
• When using fireworks, always point them away from houses, trees, cars, shrubbery and, especially, other people.
• Do not hold fireworks while lighting them. Place them in an open container before lighting the fuse.
• Light one firework at a time and never relight a “dud.”
• Never allow children to pick up fireworks from the ground. Unexploded fireworks may still ignite.
• Soak used or unignited fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them away.

Lakes and beaches are popular destinations for Independence Day weekend. Be aware of these additional safety precautions when near the water this summer.

Whether it’s lakes, rivers or the Gulf of Mexico, there are numerous waterways for boating in Alabama. Enjoy them safely. (Getty Images)

 Boating safety

• Make sure your boat is in good working order before taking it out for the first time and that all required equipment is on the boat.
• Make sure all life jackets are in good working order. Life jackets must be worn by children younger than 8 years old and by anyone on a personal watercraft or being towed on skis or a tube.
• Be aware of what other boaters are doing around you.
• Storms can come up quickly, especially in the summer, so keep an eye to the sky. If caught in a storm, try to get to the nearest shelter.

Stay cool in the pool safely. (Getty Images)

Pool and water safety

• Anywhere there is water, there is a danger of drowning. Never swim alone.
• An adult must always watch children closely. This means no reading, talking on the phone or texting.
• An adult should be within arm’s reach of infants, toddlers and weaker swimmers.
• Enter shallow water feet first. It is never OK to dive into water less than 9 feet deep.

Deal with the heat effectively this holiday weekend. (file)

Heat safety

• Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Limit the amount of time spent outside during these hours.
• At least 20 minutes before going outside, apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.