From the Cumberland family to yours, we’re wishing you a happy and safe holiday weekend.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind at home and at work to keep your family, friends and property safe this weekend.

8 Tips for the Family

Fireworks, food, friends, and fun—Independence Day is one of the most beloved holidays of the year. But a little safety goes a long way when it comes to keeping the celebration accident-free. Whether you’re firing up the grill or heading out to watch fireworks, here are a few quick reminders to help protect you, your family, and your pets.

1. Fireworks Safety
Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area, far from homes, dry grass, or other flammable materials. Keep water nearby just in case, and consider leaving the big shows to the professionals.

2. Supervise Sparklers
Sparklers may look harmless, but they burn at nearly 2,000°F—hot enough to cause serious burns. Always supervise children and teach them not to wave or throw sparklers.

3. Keep Pets Indoors
The loud noises and flashes from fireworks can terrify animals, sometimes causing them to run away. Keep pets indoors in a calm, quiet place, and make sure they have ID tags or microchips just in case.

4. Grill Safely
Only grill in well-ventilated, outdoor areas. Never leave a lit grill unattended, and keep a safe zone of at least three feet around it—especially for kids and pets.

5. Don’t Drink and Drive
The roads are extra busy on July 4th. If you’re celebrating with alcohol, make a transportation plan before you go out—designate a sober driver or use a rideshare service.

6. Use Sunscreen & Hydrate
Spending time outdoors? Apply sunscreen regularly (SPF 30 or higher) and drink lots of water—especially in the heat or if you’re drinking alcohol.

7. Be Water-Wise
If your plans include swimming or boating, always supervise children, wear life jackets, and never swim alone. Avoid alcohol while in or around water.

8. Dispose of Fireworks Properly
After fireworks have burned out, soak them in water before throwing them away. This helps prevent trash fires and keeps your celebration safe from start to finish.

 4 Tips for Fourth of July Business Safety & Operations

1. Secure the Facility Before Closing
🔒 Lock all entry points, set alarms, and double-check security cameras and lighting. Notify your security provider of your holiday hours.

2. Communicate Holiday Hours Clearly
📣 Update your website, Google listing, and social media to reflect your closure or modified schedule. Use signage at physical locations and set up auto-replies on phones and email.

3. Safeguard Equipment & Vehicles
🛠️ Park trucks and service vehicles in well-lit, secure areas. Disconnect batteries or use anti-theft devices if needed. Lock tool rooms and sensitive equipment storage.

4. Prep for Emergency Contact
📇 Designate an on-call contact for true emergencies and share that info with key staff and customers. Ensure managers and team leads have access to critical vendor or utility contact numbers.

From all of us at Cumberland, we wish you a safe, joyful, and patriotic Fourth of July!