Fourth Of July Safety Tips

Fourth of July is an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with family, enjoy delicious food, and watch fireworks. While all of these activities are fun and meant to be safe, they can be dangerous. Make sure you take the proper precautions before lighting your own fireworks and grilling food with these Fourth of July safety tips.

Fireworks Safety Tips

According to the New York Times, during the month of July an average of 230 people per day end up in emergency rooms because of fireworks-related injuries. So it’s important to take the precautions below to protect yourself and family members.  

1. Do not disassemble pre-assembled fireworks, attempt to make your own fireworks, or combine firework products.
2. Make sure your fireworks are stored correctly and according to the packaged instructions.
3. Only light fireworks on flat ground, away from flammable materials, and only in a dry and fire-resistant area.
4. Do not light multiple fireworks at the same time.
5. Ensure the person lighting the fireworks is equipped with safety glasses and keep all spectators at a safe distance.
6. Do not allow young children to handle or light fireworks. Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities.
7. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, along with a hose or bucket in case of a fire or malfunction.
8. If a firework malfunctions, do not relight it. Instead, soak it in water and dispose of it

Grilling Safety Tips

Grilling and the Fourth of July come hand-in-hand. That being said, the most common insurance claim on the Fourth of July is from cooking. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more fires are reported on July 4th than any other day of the year. Here are some tips to keep your home and family members safe while grilling out this holiday.

1. Keep a three-foot safety zone around your grill. This means keep your grill at least three feet away from your deck, home, landscaping, or outdoor equipment that could catch fire quickly.
2. If you have a gas grill, check the grill hose for cracks, holes, and leaks before using it.
3. Never grill indoors, in the garage, or in an enclosed area.
4. Keep children and pets away from your grill.
5. Avoid loose clothing that can catch fire while cooking.
6. Open your gas grill before you light it.
7. Remove grease and fat build-up on a regular basis so it cannot be ignited.

Pool Safety Tips

Water sports are a very popular pastime on the Fourth of July; however, water sports have been linked to numerous deaths and injuries each year. The below tips will help you stay safe and keep your loved ones safe while enjoying water activities.

1. Monitor young children closely. Never assume someone else is watching the children.
2. Do not allow children to enter the water without proper flotation devices.
3. Set water safety rules for your family.
4. Keep a first aid kit near your pool deck.
5. Never swim alone.
6. Swim sober. Research has shown that alcohol consumption increases the risk of accidental drowning.
7. Apply sunscreen frequently to avoid painful sunburn, sunstroke, or heatstroke.
8. Remember to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Additional Safety Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you experience a safe, fun, and memorable Fourth of July.

1. Don’t skip out on applying insect repellent.
2. Check you and your family members’ prescriptions to make sure you will not experience a sun-sensitizing drug reaction.
3. Cover your food and beverages while outdoors to prevent bees and wasps from accidentally being swallowed.
4. Use alcohol responsibly.
5. Report any illegal explosives to your local police department.
6. Use good judgement when boating and always look up water and weather conditions before leaving the house.