Pulse

Safety tips for the Fourth of July

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Sparklers in front of an American flag

Each Independence Day, millions of people come together to celebrate the nation, but some holiday traditions can make for a dangerous combination. Mishaps involving fireworks, grilling and alcohol use lead to a significant rise in hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Here are some tips to help keep you safe this Fourth of July.

Fireworks
Accidents involving fireworks are the most common cause of injuries during the holiday. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports about 11,500 people were hospitalized with fireworks-related injuries in 2021.

"We always see an increase in injuries this time of year,” says Dr. Barry Knapp, Professor and Chair of Emergency Medicine, the Chidester Endowed Chair of Emergency Medicine. “Please use caution and leave the fireworks for the professionals."

If you do plan to use fireworks on your own, CPSC recommends to light them one at a time and never place any part of your body directly over the fireworks. After igniting, the organization says you should quickly move away from the device. Parents are also advised to keep young children away from fireworks, including sparklers, as they can reach temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grilling
Many people rush to fire up the grill and barbecue during the holiday, making the potential for grill fires a big hazard. When operating a grill, CPSC recommends placing it away from your home or any sort of outdoor equipment and ensure it is positioned correctly. According to the U.S. Army, “hospital emergency rooms treat nearly 20,000 patients every year for grill-related injuries.” During this peak grilling season, they recommend being aware of how to mitigate fires when they occur, and keeping a fire extinguisher present.

Alcohol Use
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 2017 to 2021, 38% of all motor vehicle deaths during the Fourth of July holiday period were alcohol related.

If you plan to drink alcohol, NHTSA officials recommend making a plan ahead of time to find a safe way home. If you are hosting a celebration, NHTSA advises asking each guest to name a designated driver and making sure those guests have alcohol-free options.