Picnics, cookouts, and fireworks, the 4th of July is a great time to reconnect with family and friends, but it can also be necessary to take extra caution around this time, especially with children and pets. To make sure you enjoy your holiday safely, here are some tips:
- Be sure to alway supervise children around fireworks, and never give small children fireworks.
- Keep a supply of water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Never point fireworks in the direction of other people, animals, or flammable materials.
- Don’t attempt to relight a firework. Once a fuse has been lit, retreat to a safe distance.
- Try to keep pets in a secure area, away from the noise of crowds and fireworks. Also be sure to have a collar with tags, or have your pet microchipped, in case they run away.
- If you’re grilling, be sure to keep children and pets away from the grill, and to not leave it unattended.
- Keep the grill and any other flames away from flammable materials.
- Be sure to only use insect repellent and sunscreen that is labeled as being safe for children and pets.
- Stay hydrated, and watch for signs of heat stroke.
If you’re worried about all the chemicals in most bug sprays, here’s a recipe using essential oils.
You’ll need:
- 8 oz witch hazel
- 4 oz distilled water
- 15-20 drops of citronella oil (used to repel mosquitos)
- 15-20 drops of lemongrass oil (used to repel mosquitos)
- 10 drops of peppermint oil
- 10 drops of tea tree oil (optional, but works to repel ticks)
- 1 tbsp of vegetable glycerine, jojoba oil, or other oil (this helps to carry the essential oils)
- an empty spray container
Add all the ingredients to the spray container and shake well. Try to keep the spray out of your eyes, and test a small amount on children to be sure they aren’t sensitive to any of the essential oils.
If you’re having trouble with pests in your garden, try this garlic-mint spray to keep your plants healthy:
- 2 whole heads of garlic, cloves separated and peeled
- 3 c. mint leaves and stems
- 2 tsp dry cayenne pepper
- 2 small squirts of biodegradable dish soap
Chop the garlic and mint in a food processor for a few pulses.
Transfer the garlic-mint mix to a pot with 12 cups of water, and add the cayenne.
Bring to a boil then allow to cool completely.
Strain and transfer to a garden sprayer and add the dish soap.
Shake well before use, and spray directly onto the leaves, both tops and undersides.
Garden spray from: http://anoregoncottage.com/