Muncie Matters

July 4th: Red Cross Offers Safety Tips for a Harmless Holiday

From fireworks to time spent at the pool, remember tips to stay safe

INDIANA, July 2, 2026 — The Fourth of July is around the corner, and many people may spend the day celebrating by the water or enjoying a fireworks display. The Red Cross is sharing tips to help celebrate safely.

Visit redcross.org/summersafety for more information.

FIREWORKS SAFETY The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports as many as 14,700 people were injured by fireworks in 2024, and burns were the most common injury. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public show put on by professionals. If you choose to set fireworks off at home, follow safety tips:

* Have a bucket of water, a garden hose, or a fire extinguisher handy. Consider wetting down the surrounding grass and other vegetation before lighting your fireworks.

* Douse the fireworks with water to make sure they are completely extinguished.

* Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures, or flammable materials.

* Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.

* Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."

Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
Never use fireworks around pets and keep them indoors. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma, and many pets are also fearful of loud noises and can become lost, scared, or disoriented.

WATER SAFETY Every day, an average of 11 people in the U.S. die from unintentional drowning, and one in five of those are children 14 or younger, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Red Cross encourages individuals and families to know critical safety knowledge and skills that could save their lives in and around the water.

* Designate a “water watcher” to keep a close eye and constant attention on children and weaker swimmers in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.

* Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.

* Teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
Don't dive in headfirst – protect your neck. Check the water depth and obstructions before diving, and go in feet-first the first time.

* If at a beach or water park, make sure lifeguards are on duty before you go in the water and follow all their instructions.

* Swimming in the ocean, a lake, or a river is different than swimming in a pool. Be sure you have the skills for these environments.

* Use waterproof sunscreen before leaving home, reapply during the day, and drink plenty of fluids.

HEAT SAFETY The American Red Cross recommends taking three steps in extreme heat – stay hydrated, stay cool and stay connected. Extreme heat can happen anywhere and be deadly for anyone.

* Stay hydrated by drinking a cup of water every 20 minutes, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks.

* Stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned places. If your home is too hot, go to a mall, library, or cooling center.

* Stay connected by checking on others and asking for help if you need it. Make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade.

* Watch for warning signs of heat illnesses, which can include heavy sweating, cramps, weakness, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting.

* Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun's rays.

* Some people are at higher risk of getting sick because their bodies have a harder time staying cool. This includes older adults, children, pregnant women, people who take medication, and people with chronic conditions or disabilities.

DOWNLOAD OUR APPS. The free Red Cross Emergency app can help you and your loved ones stay safe with real-time alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations, and safety information.

The free Red Cross First Aid app provides instant access to information on handling the most common emergencies. Download these apps for free by searching for 'American Red Cross’ in your app store or visiting redcross.org/apps.

Summer Safety Tips What’s your plan for this summer? Enjoying the water? Going camping? Firing up the grill? Whatever you prefer, we have safety steps to follow. And don’t forget your furry friends. There are steps you can take to help keep them safe too.

Second Harvest Launches Summer Match Campaign with Support from Pacers Foundation

Every Dollar Donated in July and August Will Be Matched 1:1 to Help Fight Hunger Across East Central Indiana

By C.S. Hendershot, Director of Development and Marketing at Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana

MUNCIE, Ind. – Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana is excited to announce its Summer Match, a special fundraising campaign running throughout July and August. Thanks to the generous support of the Pacers Foundation, every dollar donated during the campaign will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact of every gift made to help neighbors facing food insecurity.

As families navigate increased expenses during the summer months and children lose access to school meal programs, the need for food assistance continues to grow across East Central Indiana. The Summer Match Campaign provides donors with an opportunity to make twice the difference for local individuals, children, seniors, and families struggling to put food on the table.
"Summer can be one of the most challenging times of the year for families experiencing food insecurity," said Bekah Clawson, President and CEO at Second Harvest Food Bank. "Thanks to the Pacers Foundation's generosity, every donation made during July and August will go twice as far, helping us provide nutritious food and hope to thousands of neighbors throughout our region."
“We're excited to amplify the generosity of those stepping up to support their neighbors because together we can reach more families in East Central Indiana," said Erin Bess, executive director of the Pacers Foundation. "At the Pacers Foundation, we believe in the power of sports to unite people around important causes, and addressing food insecurity is one way we’re committed to making a meaningful impact.”

Every $1 donated to Second Harvest helps provide up to three meals for neighbors facing hunger. With the Pacers Foundation's 1:1 match, a $1 gift becomes $2, helping provide up to six meals for neighbors across East Central Indiana.

Community members and businesses are encouraged to participate by making a gift during the campaign. Donations can be made online at curehunger.org or by mailing a contribution to Second Harvest Food Bank.

The Summer Match Campaign will run from July 1 through August 31, with all donations receiving the dollar-for-dollar match while matching funds remain available.

For more information or to donate, visit curehunger.org or call 765-287-8698.

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About Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana
Second Harvest Food Bank is the region's largest hunger-relief organization, serving eight counties in the East with the mission to feed neighbors in need and empower the community to fight hunger and food insecurity. Learn more at curehunger.org.

About Pacers Foundation
The Pacers Foundation leverages the power of basketball to create meaningful impact across Indiana by investing in programs and partnerships that empower young people and support education, health, and safety initiatives. Through programs like Drive & Dish, State of Play, and NBA Math Hoops, the foundation helps expand access to healthy food, youth sports, and educational opportunities while strengthening communities throughout the state. The foundation also supports the work of the Indiana Fever Fund, which invests in programs and grants that empower women and girls. Visit pacersfoundation.org for more information.

https://curehunger.org

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana - East Central Indiana's largest hunger relief organization To provide help for today by feeding the hungry and hope for tomorrow by addressing the causes of food insecurity while empowering people toward self-sufficiency.

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS:

Next Free Concert by America's Hometown Band is at Westside Park, Muncie -- June 18, 7:30 pm

****** THIS CONCERT HAS BEEN CANCELLED AND WILL BE RESCHEDULED IN AUGUST*******

AHB "Songs in the City 2026" -- the 38th Free Summer Concert Series by America's Hometown Band of Muncie.