The Fourth of July is a time for family, friends, food and fireworks. It’s also one of the busiest — and potentially most dangerous — days of the year. Emergency rooms see a spike in injuries, roadways become congested, and fireworks light up the sky, often with unintended consequences. Whether you’re heading to the beach, firing up the grill or enjoying a fireworks display, here are some key tips to help you celebrate safely.
1. Grill with caution
Barbecues are a holiday tradition, but they can quickly become hazardous. According to the National Fire Protection Association, July is the peak month for grill fires, with thousands of emergency room visits each year due to burns or flare-ups.
- Keep it clean: Grease buildup is a major cause of flare-ups. Scrub the grill before and after each use.
- Stay present: Always supervise a lit grill and keep children and pets at least three feet away.
- Watch your location: Keep grills at least 10 feet from your home, deck railings or overhanging branches.
Be prepared: Have a spray bottle of water for small flare-ups and a fire extinguisher within reach.
2. Firework safety: Leave it to the pros
Fireworks are synonymous with the Fourth of July, but they’re also a leading cause of holiday injuries, particularly to the hands, face and eyes.
- Go to a show: Professional displays are safer — and more spectacular — than backyard fireworks.
- Legal doesn’t mean safe: Even legal fireworks like sparklers burn at nearly 2,000 degrees and can cause serious burns.
- Keep water nearby: If you must use consumer fireworks, have a bucket of water or hose ready. Never try to relight a dud.
- No kids allowed: Children should never handle fireworks — not even sparklers.
3. Drive like it’s the busiest day of the year — because it is
Beach towns and tourist areas swell with visitors over the holiday weekend, increasing the risk of car accidents and pedestrian injuries.
- Slow down: Expect delays and stop-and-go traffic. Allow extra time to reach your destination safely.
- Stay alert: Watch for pedestrians, bicyclists and distracted drivers.
- Park smart: Avoid double parking or blocking intersections.
- Designate a driver: If you’re drinking, plan ahead for a sober ride home.
4. Alcohol awareness: Know your limits
Alcohol is part of many holiday gatherings, but it’s also involved in a large percentage of Fourth of July injuries and fatalities.
- Hydrate: Alcohol and heat are a dangerous combination. Alternate each alcoholic drink with water.
- Know your crowd: Keep an eye on friends and family and intervene if someone’s had too much to drink.
- Protect teens: Talk to young people about the dangers of drinking and driving.
- Don’t mix: Never use fireworks or operate grills, boats or vehicles under the influence.
5. Biking and walking safely
Whether you’re cycling along the boardwalk or walking to the beach, stay alert in crowded areas.
- Helmet on, lights flashing: Always wear a helmet and use lights or reflective gear, especially after sunset.
- Obey the rules: Cyclists must follow traffic laws just like drivers. Ride in the same direction as traffic and use hand signals.
- Stay off your phone: Distracted walking or biking can lead to serious injuries.
- Watch the crosswalks: Pedestrians always have the right of way. Drivers should be especially vigilant in beach towns.
6. Beach and water safety
Cooling off at the beach is part of the fun, but water-related injuries and drownings are another holiday risk.
- Swim where lifeguards are present: They’re trained to recognize danger before it happens.
- Check the flags: Pay attention to beach warnings, including rip current alerts and surf advisories.
- Never swim alone: Always swim with a buddy.
- Protect your skin: Use SPF 30 or higher, reapply every two hours, and wear a hat and sunglasses.
7. Be ready for emergencies
From fireworks shows to boardwalks, it’s easy to get separated or face a sudden emergency in crowded places.
- Have a meeting point: Designate a place to reunite in case someone gets lost.
- Carry basics: A small first-aid kit, phone charger and water bottle can go a long way.
- Know where help is: Take note of medical tents, police stations and lifeguard stands nearby.
A safe celebration is a happy one
With a little planning and a lot of common sense, we can enjoy everything the Fourth of July has to offer — without an ER visit or police report. Whether we’re barbecuing in the backyard, biking, walking, driving, playing in water, or just soaking up the sun, let’s make safety our top priority.
Blessings for a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Robin is a former television reporter for NBC News 40. She currently hosts a podcast and radio program called Living Well with Robin Stoloff. It airs Sundays at 10 AM on Lite 96.9. You can email Robin at livingwellwithrobin@gmail.com
