FORT KNOX, Ky. — July and August are considered the hottest months of the year in Kentucky, with average high temperatures ranging from 85°F to 92°F, as nights generally fall into the warm range of 62°F to 70°F but with significantly less humidity.
However, temperatures can reach the triple digits at times. Kentucky’s record high was 114°F on July 28, 1930, set in Greensburg.
The eight hours of daily sunshine during the month can bring oppressive heat with humidity rising above 75%. Mid-summer is particularly hot and humid, with frequent occurrences of afternoon thunderstorms. Mild waters offer temporary respite from the heat either through boating and paddling or swimming and dipping feet in the state’s 45+ major lakes.
According to the Weather Atlas, it is never safe to leave a toddler, disabled person or pet locked in a car, even in the winter. The interior of your car can very quickly become much hotter than the outside temperature and that could prove dangerous or even deadly — especially for small children and pets.
In the first 10 minutes after the car is parked and the door is locked, the temperature inside a car climbs 19 degrees above the outdoor temperature.
After an hour, on average, the temperature inside the car rises to about 43 degrees hotter than the temperature outside. The temperature inside the car generally peaks at about 45 to 50 degrees hotter than the temperature outdoors, San Francisco meteorologist Jan Null said.
July 4th, the day we declared our independence from Britain. The war would rage on until 1783 until the surrender of the British at Yorktown. This is a time that so many of us Americans enjoy. By getting together with friends and family but it can also be a dangerous holiday.
The top five 4th of July accidents are:
1. Fireworks
2. Automobile accidents
3. Outdoor Grilling
4. Boating
5. Swimming
Fireworks. As many as 15,600 people were hospitalized last year with injuries related to fireworks – the highest number in the last 15 years. Fireworks handled incorrectly can be fatal; 12 out of 18 deaths reported in 2020 were related to misuse, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported.
Fireworks safety tips — if you do choose to use legal fireworks, here are some safety tips from the National Security Council:
· Never allow young children to handle fireworks, and older children should use them only under close adult supervision
· Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
· Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
· Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
· Never light them indoors
· Only use them away from people, houses and flammable materials
· Only light one device at a time, and maintain a safe distance after lighting
· Never ignite devices in a container
· Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks
· Soak all used and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
· Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off, or in case of a fire
· Keep pets safe — put them inside, away from fireworks and noise
Auto accidents. Did you know that this is the holiday with the highest accident statistics in the United States of America? That this is the most dangerous holiday to be on the road? The moment that you are looking at these statistics and reasons why this is such a dangerous holiday, then you might think twice to drink and drive this year on the 4th of July, according to the Accident Doctor.
And those who aren’t drinking are driving to see the fireworks display all over town. This is a time for family, friends, partying and drinking. The scary part is that those people who were drinking are driving home in the early hours of the morning. Drunk. Use a designated driver!
Outdoor Grilling. Approximately 17,000 people go to the ER annually due to injuries connected to grilling, according to CPSA. Grilling accidents result in 10,000 home fires each year, a large percentage of which occur on the 4th of July. About 33% of injuries from grill contact happen to children under 5 years old.
Boating. The three most dangerous holidays for boating are Memorial Day, Labor Day and the 4th of July. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the highest rate of boating accidents is in July with a stunning 80% of people killed in boating accidents not wearing life jackets.
Three steps to keep safe while boating: 1) Always wear a life jacket; 2) Never boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol; 3) Use an engine cutoff device in a power boat.
Swimming. Drownings spike during 4th of July activities, especially for children under the age of 15.
Basic safe swimming practices are: 1) Never leave a child unattended in or near a body of water; 2) Learn to swim; 3) Teach your child to swim; 4) Learn CPR; and 5) Have lifesaving and associated equipment on hand.
Safety experiences and knowledge come from each teammate and family member. As we approach and celebrate this Independence Day, let's learn from previous mishaps by having a safe and enjoyable 4th of July.
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