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Across the country, people will 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! 

Firework safety tips 

The most unique risk associated with the Fourth of July is related to fireworks. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 9,700 people in the U.S. were treated for firework-related injuries in 2023. The CPSC reports that most of those injuries, 35%, were to hands and fingers. Listed below are some of the CPSC’s recommended firework 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 that you 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 re-light or handle a firework that did not function as expected. 

• Never stand over fireworks, and do not point or throw fireworks at another person. 

Grill safety tips

Aside from fireworks, the Fourth of July is the perfect time to fire up the grill. We have covered general grill safety tips in other articles to help you understand how to move a grill, how to clean a grill and how to 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., and they provide several useful grill safety tips. 

• Check your propane tank for leaks before you use it or need to use 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 you’re not under any eaves or tree branches. 

• Never leave a grill that is in use unattended.  

Sun safety tips

Another topic to consider when spending the day outside is sun safety. Whether you’re soaking up rays by the pool or playing lawn games all day, long-term exposure to the sun is no joke. 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 sunscreens 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 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 look or appearance of the sunglasses to determine their effectiveness. Darker lenses do not always translate into more UV protection.  

Celebrate safely and have a great Fourth of July!