Stay safe this Fourth of July with these tips for a worry-free celebration.
The Fourth of July: A time to fire up the grill, fly the flag, and watch patriotic-themed fireworks exploding in the night sky. Who doesn’t love partaking in these traditions all while surrounded by friends and family? It sounds like a dream come true, but without proper caution, this holiday can turn into a nightmare very quickly. Here are the essential safety tips you need to have a worry-free holiday weekend:
Travel
Like most holidays, the Fourth of July sees an increased amount of travel. For this reason, auto and other related accidents rise tremendously. Be safe on the road by:
– Never driving under the influence
– Adhering to all traffic rules (speed limit, stop signs, etc.)
– Making sure to be rested and ready to drive
– Preparing for longer road trips
Fireworks
Fireworks can be the colorful and awe-striking part of the night, but they can also be extremely dangerous. Mishandling Fireworks can cause various injuries, including burns, lacerations, head trauma, and many more. According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were 11 reported firework-related deaths and nearly 7500 reported firework-related injuries in July 2022 alone. Make sure you handle all fireworks properly this Fourth of July holiday:
– Only unimpaired adults should be handling the fireworks
– Children should be kept far from the fireworks
– A minimum of 50 feet should be between the launch site and bystanders
– Light one firework pack at a time, then retreat to a safe distance away
– Fireworks should be lit face up on the ground
– Don’t shoot fireworks off near flammable items
Grill
If you celebrate the Fourth of July, chances are you will be barbecuing. When you fire up the grill for your hamburgers, hotdogs, and ribs, ensure you are safe. Grilling injuries during the holiday happen much more frequently than you might think. To have the most delicious and safe barbeque make sure you follow these recommendations:
– Do not leave a lighted grill unattended
– Do not put your grill in the garage or extremely close to the house to reduce the risk of fire
– Keep children and animals away from the grill
– Move all flammable objects away from the grill
– Cook your meat thoroughly to reduce the risk of food poisoning
Miscellaneous
Many other injuries can happen on the Fourth of July for various reasons. Ensure you keep yourself, friends, and family safe this weekend while enjoying the Fourth of July.
