Fourth of July Safety Tips

One of the United States’ most beloved holidays is just around the corner. We love to celebrate the 4th of July and all that it stands for. The surest way to keep the party going while we honor our nation is to celebrate safely. Whether you are hosting or visiting this Independence Day, these safety tips will help you avoid becoming a statistic of a preventable accident.

Fireworks Safety

In 2023, fireworks were involved in approximately 9,700 injuries and at least eight deaths, according to reports received by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. That year, approximately 18% of firework products selected and tested had “non-compliant components, including fuse violations, the presence of prohibited chemicals, and pyrotechnic materials overload.” [1] Here’s how to minimize your risks:

• Buy fireworks from licensed vendors.
• Follow your county’s regulations for the use of pyrotechnic materials.
• Enjoy fireworks from a safe distance.
• Keep an eye on children at all times when using fireworks.
• Keep water nearby in case of emergency.

Grill Safety

Grill safety is an essential aspect of a successful cookout party. No one wants the food to burn, much less to end the party early with a trip to the ER. A 2023 survey found that grill injuries had increased by 18% over the last decade. The good news is that the risk for many of these injuries can be significantly reduced by following some easy safety tips:

• Set up in an open, well-ventilated area.
• Attend the grill at all times.
• Children and pets should be kept away from the grill.
• Monitor fire-starters, gas, coal and any combustible materials.
• Check for gas leaks before starting a fire.

Water Safety

Few things are more fun in the summer than swimming. However, the risk of drowning is something everyone should take very seriously. Follow these simple steps to ensure summer swimming stays safe and prevent drowning incidents:

• Designate at least one adult to keep an eye on children at all times. Adults can choose to take turns watching the children. 
• Pools, lakes, ponds, and rivers all require adult supervision, no matter how small. 
• Provide flotation devices and life jackets.
• Communicate and enforce water safety rules for your group or family.
• Fence in the pool with a self-closing, self-latching gate to prevent unsupervised access.

Sun & Heat Safety

The heat in Texas is nothing to take lightly. Heat stroke, heat exhaustion and severe sunburns are very real safety dangers in the summer. Fortunately, there are a few tips to help keep you cool:

• Hydrate throughout the day.
• Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
• Take breaks from exposure to the sun and intense heat—avoid overheating or a heat stroke.
• Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion: Be aware of symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and excessive sweating.

Alcohol Consumption

While Fourth of July celebrations are a great time for fun and relaxation, they are not necessarily the best time for alcohol consumption. With the addition of hot grills, fireworks and swimming, anyone choosing to drink alcohol should take extra precautions by following these safety tips:

• Drink responsibly.
• Don’t overserve your guests. If you are hosting, avoid unfortunate situations by having a handle on the amount of alcohol your guests consume. Stop serving alcohol to guests who are starting to show signs of alcohol-induced euphoria.
• Don’t drink and drive or allow others to do so.
• Alcohol doesn’t go well with swimming and operating fireworks. 

Independence Day celebrates our freedom to enjoy life and the ones we care for. As we celebrate our nation, we hope these tips can help you protect everything you care about. Beyond protecting the rights of those who are injured, we want you to stay safe. All too often, we see preventable injuries change people’s lives and become the subject of lawsuits. This Fourth of July, we encourage you to party responsibly and minimize the risks of injuries or losses by following the proper safety guidelines.

The Carlson Law Firm—Compassionate and Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers

Our attorneys have seen it all. We are not phased by difficult situations involving injuries that happened at friendly gatherings or family outings. Our legal team handles sensitive cases with compassion, understanding and fairness. Whether it’s due to a defective firework or an unsafe environment, if you or a loved one are ever hurt during a Fourth of July or other holiday event, please don’t go through it alone. The Carlson Law Firm is here to help; contact us.