Fourth of July Safety Tips for the Whole Family

Summertime means spending more time with friends and family and participating in activities such as swimming, camping, outdoor games, fireworks, cookouts, and more. Sharing wonderful summer experiences with your loved ones can help you create lifelong memories. Unfortunately, many warm-weather activities can increase the number of accidents and injuries.  That is why, through the 4^th of July and the rest of the summer, it is critical to maintain a high level of safety. Follow our simple safety tips to keep your gatherings safe and enjoyable for everyone involved this season.

Fireworks Safety

Fireworks are beautiful, but if you’re not careful, they can turn into a disaster. Leading up to the July 4th celebration, an average of 280 people visit the emergency room each day with fireworks-related injuries. Here are some safety suggestions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe:

• Since fireworks pose a significant risk of burn injuries, fires, and eye injuries, several groups advise individuals to avoid buying fireworks altogether and watch professional displays instead.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities.
• When lighting fireworks, never position your body directly over it. After lighting the fuse, immediately back up to a safe distance.
• Never pick up or re-light fireworks that haven’t been fully ignited.
• Never point fireworks towards another person or throw them.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose on hand.

BBQ Safety

Grilling is a popular summertime activity, but it’s also a leading cause of house fires. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, gas grills were involved in an average of 7,900 home fires per year, including 3,300 structure fires and 4,700 outdoor fires. Make sure you’re up to date on grill safety to keep your family, friends, and party visitors safe.

• Maintain a distance of at least 10 feet between your grill and your home.
• Clean your grill regularly, as grease is one of the leading causes of flare-ups.
• Routinely check for gas leaks
• Keep any decorations away from your grill
• Keep a spray bottle of water handy
• Keep a fire extinguisher within a close distance of your grill
• Never turn the gas on while your grill lid is closed
• Don’t leave your grill unattended
• Don’t use a grill indoors

Road Trip Safety

Over the summer, especially during the 4^th of July holiday, many families spend more time driving than they do during other seasons. Here are some tips for staying safe on the road while traveling:

• Prevent engine overheating by inspecting hoses and belts. An overheated car can break down and put you at risk of injury.
• Avoid speeding, as it is a common cause of summer accidents.
• Don’t drive distracted. Looking at your phone, tending to a small child, or messing with your GPS takes your attention away from the road. Take a few minutes to pull over and don’t drive while distracted.
• Seatbelts are a lifesaver. Always wear yours, and make sure your passengers do so as well.
• For younger passengers, car and booster seats may be required, depending upon the child’s size. Car seats have saved many precious lives. Before you go, check your state’s car seat laws.
• Bring an emergency survival kit with you. Many items should be considered, including a flashlight, additional water, first aid kit, an emergency tire repair kit, and an extra cell phone charger.
• Pets and children should never be left in the car.

Alcohol Safety

Summer is a season for getting together with friends and going on adventures, and for many people, it includes having a few drinks. On a hot day, an alcoholic drink may appear to be a nice way to unwind and relax, but there are precautions you should take.

• Pay attention to portions
• Avoid swimming when drinking alcohol
• Know your limits and know your tolerance levels
• Abstain from alcohol altogether
• Keep hydrated and drink water while consuming alcohol
• Never drink and drive under any circumstances; appoint a designated driver before you start drinking.

Pool Safety

Swimming is a great way for families to socialize while taking advantage of the hot weather. Whether it’s at your house, a friend’s house, or a community facility, it’s critical that everyone follows safety precautions.

• Keep children under active supervision. Danger can strike quickly. Keep young children within arm’s reach.
• Never allow anyone to swim alone.
• Children and inexperienced swimmers should wear a life jacket or other floatation device.
• Keep floatable devices, rescue equipment and a phone near the pool at all times in case someone needs help in the water.
• To avoid drowning, drain baby pools after each usage.
• Never dive or slide into a pool that is less than five feet deep.
• Surround pools with a four-foot-high gate or fence.
• Child-proof latches are required on pool gates and fences.

Contact a North Carolina Personal Injury Attorney If You’ve Been Injured

We at Daggett Schuler hope you have a wonderful summer with your family, no matter what you have planned. If you or a loved one suffered an accidental injury or an injury due to another’s reckless or negligent conduct, we can help. Contact us today, and our experienced personal injury attorneys will provide the legal representation you need to protect your rights and can get the compensation you deserve. For a FREE case evaluation you can submit the form below or call us at 1-800-815-5500.