4th of July Safety Tips

With COVID restrictions easing and the 245th US Independence Day celebration drawing near, safety is probably the last thing on your mind. But that shouldn’t be the case.

What do you need to know to keep you and your family safe this summer holiday? Read on for key 4th of July safety tips and fun family ideas.

Safety in Public Settings

Public celebrations will be a bit different this year. With COVID restrictions still enforced in many places, you might have to keep safety top of mind on the 4th of July.

Make sure to bring a mask, as well as extra hand sanitizer. Do your best to stick to your own group and always maintain social distancing.

Fireworks Safety

Wearing earplugs during the fireworks is reported to prevent hearing loss or damage. If you plan to do your own firework display, be sure to check local laws to make sure it is legal. Be sure to practice the following:

• Keep fireworks away from children
• Do NOT use fireworks indoors
• Use away from houses, dry grasses, and trees
• Wear protective eye gear
• Watch the fireworks from a safe distance
• Do not attempt to re-light malfunctioning fireworks
• Keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water handy in case things get out of hand. Also, make sure to fully extinguish used fireworks by soaking them in water.

Hosting a Safe Celebration

The current CDC guidance encourages people to keep gatherings small. Limit your celebration to close family and friends to avoid the spreading of COVID-19. Choose a location that is more private, like someone’s backyard, rather than a public park or pool.

Grilling & Food Safety

Keep meat, fish, and poultry refrigerated and away from other food until you are ready to pop it onto the grill. Set your grill up in a well-ventilated area, away from trees, decks, and other flammable materials.

Keep the kids away from the grilling and food prep areas to avoid cuts and burns. Cook meat to the proper temperature before consuming. It’s also a good idea to incorporate a few healthy snacks instead of limiting yourself to carbs, meat, and lots of sugar.

Safe & Fun Family Activities

If you’re not quite sure what to do this 4th of July, here are a few family-friendly activity ideas to get you started.

• Backyard barbeque
• Garden campout
• Movie night
• Independence Day crafts
• Bake some patriotic cupcakes
• Family bike ride
• Pool or slip n’ slide party

All these ideas are COVID-friendly and suitable for any budget. If you plan to spend the 4th of July outside, remember to drink plenty of water and reapply sunscreen throughout the day. 

4th of July Safety: When to Go to the ER

Whether you are dealing with COVID compliance or planning your own firework extravaganza, 4th of July safety is essential for a happy and memorable family affair. Unfortunately, even when you take all the necessary precautions, accidents may happen.

If you or a family member gets injured during your Independence Day celebration, head to your local ER in Corpus Christi. At Physicians Premier, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality emergency and trauma care. We are open 24-7 and are here for all of your 4th of July medical needs.

Sources:

National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases “Guidance for Unvaccinated People: Small Gatherings” CDC, 6 May 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/small-gatherings.html

National Center for Environmental Health. “How Does Loud Noise Cause Hearing Loss?” CDC, 24 Nov. 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/how_does_loud_noise_cause_hearing_loss.html