4th of July Safety Tips

Jun 12, 2019

4th of July Safety Tips

We Hope You Have A Safe And Happy Independence Day!

This year, whether you’re enjoying an annual celebratory BBQ, pool party, firework frenzy, or Bocce-Ball Championship, you always know that 4th of July is another wonderful American holiday to spend time with your loved ones.

So let’s cover a few basics regarding safety so that you, your family, and your friends can truly enjoy themselves!

While this isn’t a complete list, it’s a great start and we’ve cited our sources at the bottom of the page where you can gather even more details about making sure you have a wonderful holiday.

Remember, if you ever need us for legal assistance, give us a call at (407) 478-4878. Please note, the following is not legal advice.

Alcohol Safety

Operating a Motor Vehicle

First things first, if you plan on drinking, make a plan to not drive by having a designated driver or utilizing a ride-sharing option.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety analyzed fatal crash data over a period of 5 years and found that, on average, more people die in motor vehicle crashes on Independence Day than any other day of the year. They found that motorcycles and alcohol contributed greatly to their findings. If you’ve had a drink and think that you’re okay to drive or ride, you run the risk of seriously injuring yourself and others.

Beyond physical safety, you’re also putting yourself in a position of being pulled over and charged with a DUI.

Law enforcement agencies all around Florida will have additional officers patrolling for suspected DUI offenders, even setting up checkpoints on popular travel routes. One way to think about this before you get drive or ride is that a $30 ride-share option is ALWAYS going to be less expensive than the $5,000 – $25,000 potential cost of a DUI.

If you find yourself on the wrong side of the law, our team may be able to help your situation by vigorously defending you against any DUI related charges. Call us if you need us at (407) 478-4878 day or night.

Weather

The Florida summer is already upon us and isn’t messing around! If you’re at an outdoor party, be sure to hydrate yourself especially if you’re drinking alcohol. Heat exhaustion or stroke can happen quickly so be aware of how you are feeling and watch out for your friends if they’re exhibiting any signs of dizziness, faintness, or nausea.

Other Precautions

If you’ve had quite a few drinks, it may be best to leave any fireworks-related fun to someone who is preferably sober. And that includes playing it safe by not even handling sparklers – see below.

Firework Safety

On average, 280 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday.

So, be careful! Even sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.

Also, make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

Here are some suggested safety tips from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):

  • Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities.
  • Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
  • Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

Of the injuries in 2017 that were linked to fireworks, CPSC reported these facts:

  • 70 percent were to males, and 30 percent were to females.
  • Children 10 to 14 years of age had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries.
  • Young adults 20 to 24 years of age had the second highest estimated rate.
  • There were an estimated 1,200 emergency department-treated injuries associated with sparklers and 300 with bottle rockets.

Pool Safety

Remember to keep an eye on everyone, especially kids. It can be easy for risks to go unnoticed with a large crowd that’s preoccupied with having a good time.

Here are some suggestions from the American Red Cross:

  • Keep children under active supervision at all times. Stay in arm’s reach of young kids.
  • Designate a responsible person to watch the water when people are in the pool—never allow anyone to swim alone.
  • Have young or inexperienced swimmers wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
  • Keep floatable devices around (like pool noodles) for quick response if someone needs help in the water.

 

Pet Safety

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports that nearly one-in-five lost pets first go missing after being scared by the sound of fireworks, thunderstorms, or other loud noises. Many staff members and volunteers at animal shelters across the country have reported that July 5th is the busiest day of the year because of pets running away on July 4th. Below are some very helpful tips from the American Veterinary Medical Foundation to keep your pets safe this holiday!

Preparing In Advance

  • Have identification tags with up-to-date information.
  • If your pets aren’t already microchipped, talk with your veterinarian about microchipping them which can greatly improve your chances of getting your pets back if they become lost.
  • If your pets are microchipped, make sure your contact information in the microchip registry is up-to-date.
  • Take a current photo of all of your cats, dogs and horses – just in case.
  • Make sure the environment is safe and secure. If your neighbors set off fireworks at an unexpected time, is your yard secure enough to keep your pet contained?

Safety During July 4th Celebrations

  • Leave your pets at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays, parades and other gatherings.
  • Consider putting your pets in a safe, escape-proof room or crate during parties and fireworks.
  • If you’re hosting guests, ask them to help keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don’t escape. Placing notes on exit doors and gates can help both you and your guests remain vigilant.
  • Keep your pets inside if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks.
  • Keep sparklers, glow sticks, fireworks, charcoal, kabob skewers, and table scraps  away from curious pets as any of these things can be toxic to your pet.
  • Remember that too much sun and heat (and humidity!) can be dangerous to pets.

Grill Safety

If BBQ is the plan, a little bit of caution goes a long way!

Here are some very helpful tips:

  • Use your grill well away from your home and deck railings, and out from under branches or overhangs.
  • Open your gas grill before lighting.
  • Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below your gas or propane grill so it cannot be ignited.
  • Declare a three-foot “kid and pet-free zone” around the grill to keep them safe.
  • Avoid loose clothing that can catch fire when cooking on the grill.

Sources:

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