(Martin County, FL) With the 4th of July holiday just days away, the Florida Department of Health in Martin County is reminding residents to keep prevention and safety a top priority during celebrations.

Tips for keeping the holiday weekend safe and healthy:

1. Fight the Bite – prevent mosquito borne illness!

Stop mosquitoes from breeding by draining standing water around your home. Cover your skin with mosquito repellent. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

2. Stay Hydrated and use Sunscreen

Take care to protect yourself from the summer sun. Stay hydrated by drinking water at least every 30 minutes while outdoors. Wear a hat and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays.

3. Water Advisories

A water advisory remains in effect for the waters near the Roosevelt Bridge in Stuart and Leighton Park near the old Palm City Bridge. Residents are urged to avoid contact with the water in those areas due to high levels of enteric bacteria which can cause upset stomach, diarrhea, eye irritations and skin rashes.

4. Safe Grilling –prevent foodborne illness!

• Use grills in outdoor locations
• Keep grills away from children and pets
• Wash hands and cooking utensils before and after handling raw food
• Cook foods thoroughly: use a meat thermometer

Beef, pork, lamb or veal steaks: minimum (145° F)
Ground beef, pork or lamb: minimum (160° F)
Poultry: minimum (165° F)

• Refrigerate leftovers promptly: within one hour when outdoor temps are above (90° F)