4th of July Safety Tips

The 4^th of July holiday is the perfect time to gather and celebrate with family and friends! And whether you’re enjoying a cookout by the pool, a beach day, a traditional barbeque, or a night filled with fireworks, here are some summer safety tips to help keep you and your family safe.

Sparkler and Fireworks Safety
Each year, fireworks cause over 19,000 fires, not to mention countless personal injuries and cases of property damage. Take proper precautions when operating fireworks and be sure do so legally.

• Never disassemble or try to make your own fireworks
• Don’t point sparklers, or fireworks at yourself or others, especially when lighting them
• Only light fireworks on the ground and in areas that are dry and fire-resistant
• Don’t attempt to ignite fireworks at the same time
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers
• Always keep a portable fire extinguisher close by
• Always keep a water hose or buckets of water nearby to extinguish fires
• If fireworks malfunction, don’t relight them! Douse and soak malfunctioning fireworks with water then throw them away
• Resist the urge to bring your dog to a fireworks display. The safest place for them is inside at home, where it’s familiar, quiet, and safe

As children should never handle fireworks or sparklers, as even sparklers are hot enough to cause severe burns if mishandled, consider the following options for children:

• Glow sticks
• A confetti canon or poppers
• Colorful streamers
• Silly string
• Light-up lasers
• Digital fireworks projections

Water and Pool Activity Safety
As July is one of the hottest months of the year, many July 4^th celebrations include water activities. Whether swimming, boating, or lounging by the water, be sure to remember the water can pose serious risks if you don’t take the proper precautions.

• Never allow children to swim unsupervised
• Do not drink and swim
• Set water safety rules for your family, especially young children
• Keep a first aid kit near the pool
• Review and observe all safe boating practices
• Never consume alcohol while driving a boat
• Before boating, always check that there are enough life preservers on hand for every passenger
• Always wear proper sun protection

Grilling Safety
The 4^th of July and drilling tend to go together! Enjoy grilling your favorite meals while also keeping your family  and friends safe.

• Check gas grill hoses for cracks, holes, and leaks
• Keep children away from grills
• Remember gas leaks, blocked tubes, and propane tanks can cause grill fires and explosions
• Never grill indoors, in the garage, in any enclosed area, or on a surface that might catch fire
• Keep the grill at least two feet away from decks, siding, branches, and any outdoor equipment that can catch fire quickly.

Kids and Teens
Children can be more susceptible to loud noises, heat, sun, and insects than adults. A child can also become anxious, over-stimulated, or exhausted during 4^th of July festivities. Be sure to check-in on your children and keep a close eye on them when they’re near water or enjoying the festivities. Consider using ear protection on small children, especially if they will be enjoying fireworks displays as the noise can damage young ears.

Don’t Drink and Drive
The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) found an increase in drunk driving around the 4^th of July holiday. Be sure to use caution when driving and never drink and drive. Educate your children about drunk driving and teach them to never get into a car with someone who has been drinking.

Pay Attention to the Heat
Heat exhaustion or heat stroke can happen with too much sun exposure, especially as the temperature rises. Children are especially vulnerable to overheating, as are the elderly  

• Ensure that you bring plenty of water for yourself and your kids 
• Dress children in light-colored, loose, lightweight clothing 
• Be on the lookout for signs that your child is overheating and bring them inside if they become too hot. 

Protect Your Skin 
As most 4^th of July celebrations include time outdoors, ensure that your skin is protected from the sun, heat, and bugs 

• The Skin Cancer Foundation has these sunscreen recommendations:
  • Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out into the sun
  • Re-apply every two hours or if you’ve been exposed to excessive water or sweat
  • Use a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher. 
• Don’t forget to apply insect repellent

Pet Safety
The safest place for your pets is at home where it’s familiar, quiet and comfortable. As many people shoot off fireworks in the days leading up to the holiday, pay close attention to your pets for first week of July!

• Ensure your pet’s microchip and ID tags have the correct information
• If your pet isn’t microchipped, now is the time to do it! IDs are added to insurance and can help you find your pet if a neighbor grabs them. Microchipping can help you if your pet escapes and is dropped off at a vet or shelter.  
• Fill your pets’ prescriptions
• Be sure your animals get plenty of day time exercise as they are better off being indoors during the evening and night
• Watch out for signs of heat stroke during the day
• Always make sure your pup has a shaded area to escape the sun
• If you know you will be away from home during the 4th of July, consider hiring a pet sitter or getting a friend to keep an eye on your furry friends