Your guide to a fun and safe Fourth of July celebration

Every year, millions of Americans gather with friends and family to celebrate the Fourth of July. Backyard barbeques, pool parties, and boat rides are a few of the activities people enjoy during the day. When the sun goes down, booms, crackles, and pops fill the warm summer air and magnificent firework displays can be seen for miles. While it’s a day of celebration and patriotism, the holiday is also considered one of the most dangerous of the year.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire departments receive a surge of emergency calls during this time. Following these practical safety tips on everything from fireworks and water safety to grilling and pet care can help you enjoy a safe and memorable Independence Day.

Fireworks safety

Fireworks are a hallmark of July Fourth celebrations, but they should always be handled with caution and respect. Most injuries involve the hands and face, and sparklers, though often viewed as harmless, burn at nearly 2,000 degrees. While it’s best to leave fireworks to the professionals, if your celebration includes personal use of them:

• Keep a hose or a bucket of water nearby.
• Keep children away and immediately spray dropped sparklers with water.
• Never pick up fireworks that have already been lit.
• Ensure fireworks that launch into the sky are securely positioned to avoid misfires.
• Always be respectful of your neighbor’s property.

Grilling precautions

Grills are essential to summer cookouts but can become hazardous if misused. Following these recommendations can help prevent disastrous situations:

• Never move your grill indoors, even into a garage, during bad weather.
• Keep grills at least ten feet away from any structure, such as your home, cottage, or camper.
• If your gas grill flame goes out, turn off the gas, open the grill cover, and wait at least 15 minutes before reigniting.
• When transporting propane tanks, keep them upright and never leave them inside a hot vehicle.

Water and boating safety

Swimming and boating are popular holiday activities, but both pose significant risks without proper supervision and equipment. Lakes become increasingly crowded during holidays, heightening the risk of boating accidents. To stay safe on and near the water:

• Always keep a close watch on children near pools, spas, or lakes. Designate responsible adults to supervise in shifts.
• Fit children who aren’t strong swimmers with appropriate personal flotation devices (PFDs).
• Never rely on toys like water wings or noodles for safety.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while operating a boat.
• Watch for inexperienced boaters and increased traffic.
• Be sure all boat passengers wear life jackets.

Sun and heat protection

Extended time outdoors increases the risk of sunburn and dehydration. To protect yourself and your family:

• Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30, reapplying every two hours or after swimming.
• Drink plenty of water. If consuming alcoholic drinks, alternate those water to stay hydrated.
• Watch for signs of dehydration such as dizziness, confusion, or dark urine.

Pet considerations

Celebrations can be stressful and dangerous for pets. Remember to:

• Keep pets on their normal diet; avoid feeding them party food.
• Don’t bring pets to fireworks displays. Loud noises can frighten them.
• Ensure glow jewelry given to children is worn loosely and not chewed on, as the contents can be harmful for both kids and pets if ingested.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can focus on enjoying the spirit of independence while ensuring a safe environment for everyone involved. From sparklers to sunburns, a little preparation goes a long way in making your Fourth of July celebration both fun and accident-free.