Celebrate Safely This Fourth of July

Independence Day is a time for patriotism, sunshine, and family fun—not a day to spend in the hospital. July Fourth celebrations often include delicious BBQ, outdoor activities like swimming and grilling, daylong parties, travel, fireworks, and more. While many folks celebrate accident free, there are risks involved. That’s why the National Safety Council has identified July Fourth as the most dangerous U.S. holiday. To make your Fourth of July celebration a day you’ll never forget (in a positive way), consider these safety tips.

Leave the Fireworks Show to the Pros

Who doesn’t love fireworks? They’re beautiful and the culminating event to any good July Fourth celebration. But all that glitter and shine comes with a price. According to the National Fire Protection Association, more fires are reported on July 4 than any other day of the year—and fireworks account for two out of five of all reported fires. On average, fireworks cause 1,400 structure fires, 200 vehicle fires, and nearly 17,000 other fires resulting in thousands of injuries.

To create a safe environment for fireworks, keep these things in mind:

• After using a firework, wet it down and then place it in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities, including sparklers for young children. Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees, so steer clear of tiny hands and toes.
• Do not use homemade fireworks.
• FAA regulations prohibit the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
• If a firework doesn’t work, don’t try to relight it. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of ice water.
• Keep a bucket of water and a charged water hose nearby.
• Light one firework at a time and then move away from the area quickly.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying and using them.
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Never drink while using fireworks. Alcohol and explosives don’t mix.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Only use fireworks in clear, outdoor areas away from all buildings and vehicles.
• Read all the instructions, precautions, and performance descriptions on the fireworks before setting them off.
• Wear safety glasses at all times.

Play Safely While Enjoying the Water

Nothing says summer like jumping in a backyard or community pool or lake. Over the Fourth of July holiday, the American Red Cross reports that 8 out of 10 Americans plan water activities such as going to the beach, pool, waterpark, boating, or fishing. Before you go in the water this Fourth of July, discuss these swimming and water safety tips with your entire family:

• If you have a pool or are celebrating near water and have small children, secure the area with a gate, fencing, child locks, etc.
• Never leave a small child unattended near water—and never trust one child’s life to another. Children should always ask permission from an adult before going near water.
• Never swim alone—always use the buddy system.
• Only swim in designated areas supervised by a lifeguard.
• Pay constant attention to children and inexperienced swimmers in or near the water.
• Young children or inexperienced swimmers should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially in high temperatures.
• Keep the appropriate equipment handy—life jackets, a first aid kit, a cell phone in case of emergencies, etc.
• Limit the amount of direct sunlight received between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and be sure to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen. Reapply often.

Use Caution When Grilling

A Fourth of July celebration isn’t complete without a few hot dogs, hamburgers, and veggies to throw on the grill. It’s tradition, but like fireworks it comes with significant risks. July sees more grill fires than any other month. So, how can you satisfy your guests’ appetites while being a safe and accommodating host?

• Clean your grill regularly, and remove grease and fat buildup from the grates and trays.
• If you or someone close to you suffers from burns over the July Fourth holiday, make sure you have a plan in place to treat them.
• Keep children and pets at a safe distance from the grill.
• Only use propane and charcoal grills outdoors.
• Place the grill away from your home, deck railings, and out from under overhanging branches.
• While cooking, stay next to your grill and never leave it unattended.

Treating Burns

In the event of burns, know what to look for. There are three types of burns: first-degree burns, second-degree burns, and third-degree burns. A first-degree burn is a superficial burn to the top layer of skin that can typically be treated at home; a second-degree burn is a more serious injury affecting deeper layers of skin; and a third-degree burn is a serious injury that affects all layers of the skin. Each burn type requires different forms of treatment.

Treatment for first-degree burns requires soaking the wound in cool water for five minutes or longer. Take the recommended amount of acetaminophen or ibuprofen, apply aloe gel or cream to soothe the skin, and apply antibiotic ointment or loose gauze to protect the burned area. When treating second-degree burns, call your healthcare provider if severe pain persists, you notice signs of infection, there’s skin disruption with discolored tissue present, or your condition worsens.

If you’ve suffered a third-degree burn, call 911 immediately. A person suffering from third-degree burns may have trouble breathing, burns covering more than one body part, and suspected burns to their airway.

Avoid Danger When Driving

Did you know that July 4 is the deadliest day on the road? AAA says almost 43 million Americans take trips to destinations at least 50 miles from their home during this time, making the holiday’s high traffic volume a prime cause of accidents. On average, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that more people die in motor vehicle crashes on July 4 than any other day of the year.

In general, there are more people on the roads, which means drivers should be extra careful navigating, especially outside of their normal routes. Before hitting the road, consider these tips to minimize your travel risks:

• Expect delays. Driving during peak holiday hours can be stressful, so give yourself ample time and space between cars and to get to your destination.
• Follow basic safety practices—buckle your seatbelt, wear a helmet on a motorcycle or bicycle, don’t drink or drive, keep all small children in car seats, and obey all speed limits.
• Get a good night’s rest the night before any long road trip, and take a break or rotate drivers when needed.
• Have a trusted mechanic check your car before any long road trip. If nothing else, at least check the basics: oil level, tire pressure, gas level, and coolant level.
• Keep your eyes and mind on the road, and avoid all distractions.
• Know where you’re going. Check your map and use voice-activated GPS directions.
• Reconsider your travel timing. The roads are less congested a few days before and after July 4, and evenings after work are usually worse too.
• Summer can be an especially dangerous time for teen drivers. Limit your teens’ time behind the wheel to daytime hours only.

Prepare Your Pets in Advance

We love the Fourth of July, but some pets hate it. Does your Frightened Fido hate the loud boom of fireworks? Consider their safety too this holiday.

• After a fireworks display, check your yard for debris before letting pets outside.
• Be sure that your pets have identification tags, so they can be returned to you if they run off during a fireworks display or gathering.
• Don’t let pets near your grill while it’s in use.
• If fireworks are being used near your house, put your pets in a safe room where they feel secure and won’t hear the sound.
• If you’re hosting guests, ask them to help keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don’t escape. Ask them to confirm that all doors and gates are closed at all times throughout the night.
• If you’re travelling away from home, consider leaving your pets at home with a sitter or family member, boarding them in a kennel, or staying overnight at a close family member or friend’s house.
• Leave your pets at home. Never bring them to a fireworks display, even if it’s a small one, or large parties with loud noises, crowds, and unfamiliar spaces.
• Never leave your pet alone in the car when it’s hot outside. Vehicle interiors heat up much faster than the air around them.
• Never shoot off fireworks of any kind, even ones as small as sparklers, around your pets.
• Resist the urge to feed your pets table scraps that could upset their stomachs and cause other problems.

Have Fun This Fourth!

Enjoy the fireworks, food, and family, and remember to put safety first!