The 4th of July is a time for celebration, marked by fireworks, cookouts, and community gatherings. But with these festivities comes an increased risk of accidents, from firework-related injuries to car crashes and property damage.
Independence Day sees a dramatic increase in injury-related visits to the hospital, with visits surging on both the 4th and the 5th, representing the highest daily numbers for emergency rooms throughout the entire year.
Understanding how to protect yourself and your loved ones is essential not just for your safety, but also for the safety of those around you. Whether you’re hosting an event or simply enjoying the holiday, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a safe and stress-free 4th.
In this blog, we’re exploring key 4th of July safety tips to help prevent common holiday mishaps, and outline what steps to take if you or a loved one is harmed due to someone else’s negligence.
The Safety Checklists for the 4th: Keeping Things Fun and Safe
The 4th of July is a great opportunity to gather and celebrate with friends and family. And while it is a wonderful holiday for get-togethers, it is also a holiday that can result in serious accidents and injuries.
Some of the most common accidents that occur on the 4th include fireworks accidents, boating accidents, and grilling mishaps. In 2023, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated there were 9,700 injuries involving fireworks, with 8 deaths.
The 4th is commonly celebrated on the water, bringing an increase in people enjoying outings on their boats while also increasing boating-related accidents and fatalities.
With this in mind, understanding how these accidents happen and what steps someone can take to minimize the risk of injury during days of celebration, like the 4th, is important.
Before celebrating, walk through these 4th of July safety tips and checklists to minimize the risk of accident or injury during this celebratory holiday. This is not legal or medical advice, but a summary of good safety practices to help ensure a safe holiday celebration.
Fireworks Safety Checklist
Fireworks are a staple of the 4th of July, but can also be dangerous. There are a few steps that can be taken to help celebrations with fireworks stay fun and safe. Before lighting any fireworks:
- Make sure it’s legal to light fireworks in your area.
- Ensure there is no burn ban in effect in your area.
- Closely examine your fireworks. Ensure they are not damaged and that there are no visible defects.
- Have a bucket of water, a water hose, or (preferably) a fire extinguisher nearby and ready before lifting fireworks.
- Don’t use fireworks that are old, damaged, or appear to be broken.
- If there are children around, ensure there is proper supervision in place.
Selecting the Right Space
Once the above steps are completed, it’s important to choose the right space to light the fireworks:
- Look for a level surface to light the fireworks. It needs to be hard and non-flammable, like pavement or concrete.
- If there are dry, grassy areas around where you will be lighting fireworks, spray the area with water before lighting any fireworks, or better yet, find a safer area.
- Only light fireworks in open areas. Never light fireworks under trees or in covered spaces.
Children’s Safety Tips
When children are involved during the celebration, there are a few additional 4th of July safety tips and steps that should be taken to help ensure their safety:
- Children should always be supervised by an adult when fireworks are present.
- Fireworks designed for children can still cause injuries. Sparklers, fountains, and smoke bombs can cause burns. For example, sparklers can reach temperatures over 2,000 °F.
- Children should never be left alone with fireworks or entrusted to light them by themselves.
Precautions When Lighting Fireworks
With all the previous steps taken, it’s time to light the fireworks and begin the celebration. When lighting fireworks:
- Do not drink alcohol and handle fireworks. If someone is impaired in any way when handling fireworks, they increase their chances of misuse, which can lead to the injury of themselves and others.
- Light fireworks one at a time, pointing them away from any people, buildings, trees, or structures.
- Stand clear of fireworks that fail, and do not attempt to relight failed fireworks.
- Ensure everyone watches from a safe distance, as fireworks can become unstable and tip over, putting spectators at risk.
- Once used, place the used firework in a standing bucket of water.
Grilling and Cooking Safety Checklist
Grilling and cookouts go hand-in-hand with celebrations like the 4th, offering a convenient way to enjoy the outdoors while also preparing food for friends and family. However, accidents can occur when grilling; grease flare-ups, propane leaks, and mishandling of grilling equipment can result in fires.
If anyone is planning to operate a charcoal or propane grill this 4th of July, there are some steps that can be taken to avoid burns and injuries. First, ensure the grill is in a safe location:
- The grill should be outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from the home, deck railings, and overhanging tree branches to minimize the risk of fire.
- Keep the grill at least 10 feet from any structures or materials that might be combustible.
- Set the grill up on a stable surface, like concrete or pavement, to prevent it from tipping over.
If the grill has a portable gas tank, thoroughly inspect the tank before grilling, especially if it has not been used for a long period of time. Look for any signs of wear and tear, including gas leaks or hose deterioration.
Once you begin grilling, practice safe grilling habits:
- Keep flammable items like paper plates, napkins, or cooking oils away from the grill.
- Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing, and secure all apron strings tightly to the body.
- Keep pets and children a safe distance away from the grill when it is actively lit.
- Store any extra propane tanks and lighter fluids away from the grill and other heat sources.
Alcohol and Boat Safety Checklist
The 4th of July often includes celebrating on the water as well as the consumption of alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption can impair judgment, coordination, and decision-making abilities. This increases the risks of accidents, and this is even more dangerous in the water.
When celebrating the 4th on the water, there are a few 4th of July safety tips and steps that should be taken to minimize the risk of boating accidents or drowning. If there are plans to boat on the 4th:
- Know the weather conditions before departing.
- Use common sense on the water: no horseplay, use safe speeds.
- Have enough life jackets and emergency flotation devices ready.
- Do not drink alcohol if planning to operate the boat. Drunk boating is as dangerous as drunk driving.
- Follow local laws and regulations about boating.
When boarding, ensure all passengers are wearing a life jacket. Always be mindful of other boats and swimmers, and exercise caution during this particularly busy day on the water.
Even though it is important to avoid alcohol consumption when manning a boat or handling fireworks, being mindful of alcohol during 4th of July festivities is important for anyone drinking that day.
Millions of Americans will hit the road for the 4th of July, and high rates of drinking combined with more drivers on the road can lead to tragedy. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that alcohol was a factor in 38% of roadway fatalities on the 4th of July in 2023.
Before the 4th, make plans for a sober ride home. This includes finding a designated driver, signing up for a ride-share service, or arranging to stay the night before your first sip.
What to Do if There’s an Injury on the 4th: Immediate Steps
Even if all the previous 4th of July safety tips are followed, accidents and injuries can still happen. In the unfortunate event that an accident occurs, there are several steps that should be taken to ensure the victim’s best interests and rights are protected.
It’s important to note that this is a general guide to best practices for safety and support after an accident, and it is not legal or medical advice. This information aims to help preserve the rights and interests of victims.
1. Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention
If an accident has happened on the 4th of July, it’s important to get to a safe location and assess any injuries when able. If necessary, call 911 to ensure everyone involved receives necessary medical care.
When possible, seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries appear minor. Not all injuries are visible, and seeking professional medical attention can help prevent devastating consequences.
2. Contact the Authorities and Exchange Information
Report the accident to the police, especially when there are injuries, property damage, or signs of negligence involved. Once safe to do so, exchange information with other parties involved. This includes gathering names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, and vehicle information (if boats or cars were involved).
If it is safe to do so, take photos of any damage, vehicles, and other relevant details (like road or weather conditions) at the scene of the accident. It is always important to prioritize safety when gathering evidence and to never do something that may put a person at risk.
3. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
After an accident, it is important to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Understanding the rights a victim has after an accident involving other parties and potential negligence is important, and a personal injury lawyer can help outline these rights.
Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney can allow victims to focus on recovery while their attorneys compile evidence, handle insurance adjusters, and guide them on the steps of filing a personal injury claim.
Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader Is Here for Victims This Holiday
While the 4th of July is a time to celebrate, it’s also a time to stay mindful of the risks that come with holiday activities. Taking a few extra steps to follow these 4th of July safety tips can make all the difference in preventing accidents and protecting your loved ones.
If an accident does happen—whether from fireworks, unsafe conditions, or someone else’s negligence—never hesitate to seek legal guidance. Victims do not have to navigate the complexities of an accident alone.
Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader has experienced personal injury attorneys who are equipped with the skills and legal knowledge necessary to help victims understand their options and stand with them through every step of the legal process.
If you or someone you know has been injured due to someone else’s negligence on the 4th of July, contact our office at (913) 266-2300 to speak to a member of our team, or use our virtual case tool.
The above is not intended to be legal advice. Each individual case is different and must be analyzed on its own set of facts and circumstances. If you believe you may have a case, it is critically important that you timely contact a lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.
