Stay safe this holiday. Fire and safety experts agree the best way to enjoy fireworks is from a distance. Leave the fireworks to the professionals!

Fireworks are often used to mark holidays and special events. While these displays may be visually appealing, they present dangers for consumer use. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), hundreds of people are injured each Fourth of July while using consumer fireworks, including sparklers and firecrackers.

Get the facts about fireworks safety to share with family and friends. Take a look at this fireworks safety video and visit the CPSC Fireworks Information Center.

Every member of your household should be prepared for disasters. That means pets, too!

Just as you would create a disaster supply kit for yourself, be sure to also assemble one for your pet. In addition to having enough food and water to last at least three days, the Ready Campaign recommends:

• Medicines and medical records: Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container as well as records with any instructions;
• Collar with ID tag, harness or leash: Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times. Include a backup leash, collar, and ID tag in your pet’s emergency supply kit;
• Crate or other pet carrier: If you need to evacuate in an emergency, take your pets and animals with you; and
• Sanitation: Include pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs.  You can use bleach as a disinfectant (dilute nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to purify water.

Note: Please store chlorine bleach safely! Keep products containing hazardous materials such as chlorine bleach in their original containers and never remove the labels; never store hazardous products in food containers; and never mix chlorine bleach with any other household cleaning products. Mixing may cause chemicals to react, ignite, explode, or release poisonous gases that will cause very serious breathing problems or death. 

For the full list of items you should include in your pet’s kit, download Preparing Makes Sense for Pet Owners today!

Keep your pet prepared while on the go using the American Red Cross Pet First Aid mobile app. Use this app to help your furry friends during emergencies until you can get to a veterinarian. It’s available for download on Apple and Android devices.

According to the Ready Campaign, fires and floods cause evacuations most frequently across the U.S., and almost every year people along coastlines evacuate as hurricanes approach.

During severe weather, you may decide to evacuate on your own or local officials may order a mandatory evacuation. In either situation, advance planning is essential. Follow these tips to help ensure your safety:

• Choose several destinations in different directions and know the evacuation routes to get there;
• Plan places where your family will meet within and outside of your immediate neighborhood. Use the Family Emergency Communication Plan to decide these locations before a disaster happens;
• If you don’t have a car, plan how you will leave if you have to evacuate. Make arrangements with family, friends, or your local government; and
• Take your emergency supply kit with you.

Is severe weather heading your way? Stay prepared using the FEMA mobile app. Receive preparedness reminders and safety information for more than 20 types of hazards.