Safe Fourth of July Practices

The Fourth of July is undeniably one of the best days of the year in America. Whether it’s the hot dogs, the family get-togethers, or the impressive fireworks displays in our towns, the Fourth of July is something to look forward to every summer.

As much as we love fireworks—we spend about $600 million on them each year—they can be seriously dangerous. While we would never want to dampen anyone’s spirit on this festive holiday, it’s always best to keep safety in the back of your mind as you celebrate.

Here are some safe Fourth of July practices that you can use for the upcoming holiday.

SAFETY TIPS FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY

A big part of the celebration is enjoying the fun of fireworks—but fireworks can be extremely dangerous when not used as they are intended. Most people who get injured on the Fourth of July get burned by fireworks, primarily on their hands, fingers, head, face, eyes, and ears. And most of the injuries occur in children and adolescents 19 and under, who account for about 47% of the reported injuries. Other Fourth of July injuries also occur at the beach as well as near the grill.

The following Fourth of July safety tips are recommended by the American Red Cross:

• Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
• Never give fireworks to small children.
• Always follow the instructions on the packaging for fireworks you use at home.
• Wear eye protection when lighting fireworks.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place that is out of reach of children and pets.
• Never aim fireworks toward people, pets, cars, or structures.
• Always supervise the grill when you’re using it.
• Never grill inside.
• Keep the grill at least 300 feet from the house, the deck, or tree branches.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a grill.
• Use long-handled tools that are specifically made for cooking on the grill.
• When using a charcoal grill, never add starter fluid when the coals have already been ignited.
• Make sure pets and small children stay away from the grilling area.
• When going to the beach for the holiday, check the forecast for any inclement weather conditions.
• Always swim sober and with another person.
• Young children and inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life jacket.
• Keep a close eye on any swimmers in your group (even if there is a lifeguard). Wave patterns can change at any moment and someone can lose their footing and slip.
• Steer clear of water plants and animals. Leave them alone if you come close to one!

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Georgia, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries, lost wages, or pain and suffering. You’re going to need a personal injury legal team who can help you navigate through the complicated legal system. Visit the Fry Law team’s website to learn more about the services we offer and how we can help you.