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Fourth of July Safety at a glance:
Fireworks: Keep sparklers away from children, never relight duds and maintain a safe distance
Grilling: Check for propane leaks, clean grease buildup and position grills away from structures
Sun Protection: Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen every two hours and limit exposure during peak hours (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
Bonus: Discover Fourth of July events across Indiana
The Fourth of July holiday is a time when family and friends get together to celebrate America’s birth and make great memories.
Across the country, people gather to enjoy the weather, grill their favorite foods and illuminate the night sky with fireworks. These activities each have their own risks to consider, and you’ll enjoy them so much more knowing that your family is safe. Take these precautions this Fourth of July to make your holiday a (safe) blast!
Looking for local Fourth of July events? Check out our guide to fireworks and festivals across Indiana!
Fireworks pose the greatest safety risk during Fourth of July celebrations. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 14,700 people in the U.S. were treated for fireworks-related injuries in 2024. The CPSC reports that 36% of burn-related injuries were to hands and fingers. Listed below are some of the CPSC’s recommended fireworks safety tips to keep in mind:
Do not allow children to ignite fireworks or play with fireworks. This includes sparklers, which burn at temperatures approaching 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Make sure fireworks are legal in your area and only purchase fireworks that are approved for consumer use.
Never use fireworks under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Keep a supply of water nearby in case of fire.
Never try to relight or handle a firework that did not function as expected.
Never stand over fireworks, and do not point or throw fireworks at another person.
The Fourth of July holiday is the perfect time to fire up the grill. We have covered general grill safety tips in another article to help you safely move and clean a grill, as well as ensure you’re fully cooking your food.
There are some safety measures you can take to reduce the risk of grill fires as well. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that July is the peak month for grill fires in the U.S., with 15% of all grill fires occurring in July. The NFPA provides several useful grill safety tips on its website, including:
Check your propane tank for leaks before using it.
Clean your grill and remove grease buildup. Nearly 20% of fires are the result of uncleaned grills.
Position your grill a good distance away from your home and make sure it’s not under any eaves or tree branches.
Never leave a grill unattended when in use.
Sun safety is another important topic to consider when spending the day outside. Whether you’re soaking up rays by the pool or playing lawn games all day, long-term exposure to the sun should be taken seriously. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides some great ideas on how to stay safe while enjoying the outdoors this Fourth of July:
The sun’s rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Limit your exposure during these times.
Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly and as directed.
Use sunscreen on all uncovered skin including your ears, nose, feet, neck and hands. If you don’t have much hair, apply sunscreen to the top of your head or wear a hat.
Reapply your sunscreen every two hours. If you are sweating or swimming, reapply more often.
If you have a risk factor for harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, like pale skin or a family history of skin cancer, be especially careful in the sun.
Choose the right sunglasses with proper UV protection. Look for sunglasses with a UV400 rating or marked as “100% UV protection.”
Don’t rely on the appearance of sunglasses to determine their effectiveness. Darker lenses do not always translate into greater UV protection.
Celebrate safely and have a great Fourth of July!
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