Before you hit the road this 4th of July weekend or play with some fireworks, there are some safety tips you need to know about. Rich Woodruff with the American Red Cross Utah Region joined GMU with advice for having a safe holiday weekend.

Before you start your drive, Rich suggests packing a road safety kit with emergency supplies, check your car and tires, know a route to avoid traffic or construct zones, leave early, keep valuables in the truck or not in the car, and remind kids not to talk to talk to strangers.

Staying safe while having fun with fireworks is also important.

Here’s what the Red Cross has to say about fireworks: 

The best way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Here are five safety steps for people setting fireworks off at home:

1. Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging. 
2. Keep a supply of water or fire extinguisher close by as a precaution. 
3. Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection. 
4. Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.” 
5. Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Be aware of high risk wildfire fire dangers and comply with all bans issued.