Safety Tips for the Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is one of the most popular holidays in the United States and is ubiquitous with BBQ gatherings, parades, and of course, fireworks. As you prepare for this year’s Fourth of July celebrations, here are some safety tips for the Fourth of July to help keep you and your loved ones safe:

Most folks, most of the time, have not and will not experience these (admittedly) scary statistics. Fourth of July should be a fun time spent with family and friends in celebration of our nation’s birth, rather than feeling worried or stressed about possible accidents. However, knowledge is power, so keeping the following in mind can help you better plan your activities in a way that prevents mishaps.

FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS STATISTICS

• 3 states ban all consumer fireworks (Delaware, Massachusetts, and New Jersey)
• 67% of all annual fireworks injuries take place within a month of July 4th
• On average, 800 people go to the emergency room with fireworks-related injuries
• 400 people are killed in Fourth of July car crashes each year

An estimated 19,500 fires started by fireworks were reported to local fire departments in the US during 2018. These fires caused five civilian deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and $105 million in direct property damage.

(See NFPA Research for all statistics.)

SAFETY TIPS FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY:

SPARKLERS AND FIREWORKS

1. Always supervise young children and don’t allow them to handle lighters.
2. Do not point fireworks at yourself or others.
3. Never attempt to relight a “dud”.
4. Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby
5. Never light fireworks near homes, garages, buildings, or structures that could catch fire.

GRILL SAFETY TIPS

1. Clean your grill and check gas tank hose lines for propane grills.
2. Always follow manufacturer recommendations.
3. Keep your grill at least 10-feet away from structures and deck railings.
4. Never leave a lit grill unattended.
5. Be prepared to extinguish grease fires using baking soda (not water!) or a fire extinguisher or bucket of sand for all other fires.

POOL SAFETY TIPS

1. Clean your pool and make sure chemicals are at proper levels, and circulation and filtration systems are in recommended working order.
2. Designate a lifeguard and never leave children unattended.
3. Create and enforce pool rules.
4. Become certified in CPR.
5. Have a phone nearby for emergencies

ENTERTAINMENT SAFETY TIPS

1. Drink responsibly.
2. Watch out for the safety of your guests.
3. Beware of hidden insects.
4. Follow local fireworks laws.

(Check out these tips for getting your home Fourth-of-July ready)

And now that you’ve brushed up on staying safe, don’t forget to have a fun-filled Fourth of July weekend!