Safe on the 4th - tips for people and pets

Staying Safe on the 4th - our News Partner Michael, on the Seattle/LocalHealthGuide has published a list of tips from the American Red Cross.

Here are a couple of tips gleaned the police blotters:

1. Don't light fireworks inside the car.

2. Don't pick up an explosive device to see why it didn't go off after you lit it.

The Humane Society has the following suggestions for keeping your pet safe and sane through the 4th.

KEEP PETS INDOORS

Keep your pets in a safe, enclosed room, preferably one without windows. If you’re having guests over, consider keeping pets in a room that’s off-limits to guests, with plenty of water and food.

CREATE A CALMING ENVIRONMENT

Surround pets with their favorite toys and other familiar objects. Sometimes the smell of an article of clothing from your laundry can help comfort them. Play soothing music and keep the room as quiet as possible by closing doors, windows, and blinds.

KEEP AWAY FROM FIREWORKS

Even if your pet doesn’t seem obviously upset by fireworks, they can still cause harm to pets. Avoid potential burns, injuries, or possible ingestion by keeping all pets out of the vicinity of fireworks.

UPDATE IDENTIFICATION

The biggest risk of all this Independence Day is that pets will get loose and become lost. Even if a pet is secured inside, the sound of fireworks can cause them to enter an extreme panic mode – sometimes even breaking through glass windows! Make sure your pets are microchipped and wearing identification tags. Call to confirm that the pet’s veterinarian and the microchip company have your current address and phone numbers.