Over the Fourth of July weekend, many will gather with family, friends, and neighbors to take part in Independence Day festivities. As thousands enjoy backyard barbeques, elaborate fireworks displays, parades and local celebrations, the Red Cross reminds residents that safety is an essential ingredient for an enjoyable holiday.

Heat stroke and

other heat-related illness

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 400 Americans die each year due to summer's heat and humidity. Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees, but the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses can cause serious injury and even death if untreated. Signs of heat-related illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches. Victims of heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place and given cool water to drink. Ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits, or loses consciousness, call 911 or the local emergency number immediately. While sunglasses and sunscreen are a must, Red Cross safety experts offer the following tips to stay cool . . . and safe.

+Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It's also a good idea to wear a hat or to use an umbrella.

+Drink plenty of water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.

+Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.

+Take it easy. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, usually the morning before 7 a.m.

+Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who don't have air conditioning.

+Learn Red Cross First Aid and CPR. While the above tips can help prevent emergencies, it's crucial to know what to do if an emergency situation arises. Help can't always wait for advanced medical personnel to arrive. Red Cross First Aid training gives individuals the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide basic care for injuries and sudden illness.

Know what these heat-related terms mean:

+Heat cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they're an early signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.

+Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing a decrease in blood flow to the vital organs. This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke. Signals of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale flushed or red skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.

+Heat stroke signs: Also known as sunstroke, heat stroke is life-threatening. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. Signals include hot, red and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high-sometimes as high as 105 F.

General care for heat emergencies

+Heat cramps or heat exhaus- tion: Get the person to a cooler place and have him rest in a comfortable position. If the person is fully awake and alert, give half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not let him drink too quickly. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Remove or loosen tight cloth

ing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. Call 911 or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.

+Heat stroke: Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. Help is needed fast. Call 911 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.

Barbecue safety

Every Fourth of July, Los Angeles residents enjoy all sorts of summertime activities, especially outdoor grilling. But safe grilling practices involve more than not charring the burgers. Annually, more than 8,000 Americans are injured from barbecues and outdoor grills. Since more than half of these injuries occur over the Independence Day weekend, Red Cross experts have gathered some useful information to ensure that no one loses any eyebrows or extremities.

+Never ignite or use a barbecue indoors: carbon monoxide fumes can be lethal.

+Never add fuel to a lit fire. Be careful when using lighter fluid because barbecue flames can ignite a stream of fluid, causing a flashback and a possible explosion.

+Keep matches and lighters away from children and don't allow children to play around the barbecue/ grill area.

+Before using a gas grill, wipe down the burners well and make sure the ports are clean and clear. Check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Ensure that the air/ gas mixture tubes aren't blocked.

+Never overfill the propane tank.

+Apartment residents should avoid using barbecues on an outdoor balcony.

+Dispose of hot coals properly: douse with water and stir to ensure the fire is out. Never place coals in a plastic, paper or wooden receptacle.

Information courtesy of the Red Cross.