50 Ways to Stay Safe this Fourth of
July
Thanks to the coronavirus, this year’s Fourth of July is going to be different than any other. If your area is reopening and has fireworks scheduled, or you have some beach fun planned, you probably already know that this year we need to be extra vigilant.
Even for outdoor celebrations, we still need to follow COVID-19 safety practices. Wear your mask (when you’re not in the water). Maintain 6-foot social distancing with people who don’t live with you.
But beyond COVID protections, we also need to follow the safety rules that have always applied to summer and water fun.
The American Red Cross has issued recommended safety practices for this unprecedented Fourth of July holiday, and we’ve added a few of our own.
General
1. While social distancing is necessary for everyone’s safety, it is especially important for high-risk people — people with underlying medical conditions and those who are 65 and over.
2. Nearly all states are now either mandating or strongly recommending the use of face coverings anywhere that people can’t socially distance. Even if your gathering is designed with social distancing practices in mind, it’s easy to forget when you’re having fun. Unless you’re in the water, wear your mask (and ask others to as well).
3. Follow your city or state’s guidelines on gathering size. Crowds and mass gatherings are still not safe.
4. Continue to wash your hands frequently.
5. Clean and disinfect all surfaces that are frequently touched at least daily.
6. Stay home if you’re sick.
Fireworks
Fireworks will be canceled this year in many communities. In areas where it’s legal, many people will celebrate by lighting their own fireworks. If you plan to do this at your gathering, keep in mind that there were over 10,000 fireworks-related injuries treated in US emergency departments in 2019. Please take proper safety precautions!
7. Know the laws in your state. There are federal laws, but each state can create stricter ones.
8. Check your city or town’s ordinances also. Many mandate hours that you are allowed to use them (from 11 am to 10 pm, for example).
9. Keep a source of water nearby; a garden hose is best, but a bucket of water will do.
10. NEVER let children handle fireworks.
11. Keep your pets inside.
12. Let your neighbors know so they can keep their pets indoors also.
13. Don’t ever tinker with fireworks. It’s illegal to modify them in any way.
14. Ensure that spectators watch from a safe distance — at least 30 feet away.
15. Block the fireworks. Use a brick or stone to push against them to keep them upright. Some are top heavy and can tip over easily.
16. Always light fireworks from ground level, never on an elevated surface.
17. Never point a firework toward people, animals, structures, vehicles, or anything that’s flammable.
18. Never light fireworks in a container, especially one made of metal or glass.
19. Always follow the instructions on the package.
20. Be sure the person lighting the fireworks wears eye protection.
21. Never light more than one firework at a time. Don’t try to relight a “dud.” Soak them with water and throw them away.
22. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
23. Don’t give sparklers to young children. The National Council on Firework Safety recommends them only for children over 12 because they are more dangerous than most people realize. They burn hot enough to melt some types of metal. They can ignite clothing and severely burn a child’s skin (especially when dropped on their feet). Sparklers are responsible for 25% of emergency department visits due to fireworks injury and over half of ER visits for children under five. Ameriburn.org suggests safer alternatives, such as confetti poppers, glow sticks, or colored streamers.
Grilling
Did you know that grill fires start over 10,000 home fires each year in America? Here’s how to avoid having yours become one of them:
24. Don’t use your grill near the house or anything else that could catch fire (trees, sheds, etc.)
25. Never grill in the house, inside a camper or tent, or in any enclosed area.
26. Never leave a grill unattended when in use.
27. Keep children, pets, and anyone not cooking away from the grill. Establish safety zone of at least three feet.
28. Don’t wear loose clothing that could catch fire.
29. Don’t add starter fluid after the coals have been ignited.
30. Use long-handled grilling tools, not household utensils.
Water/Pool Safety
31. Many public swimming pools will be closed this summer, so check before you go.
32. Teach children water safety. The Red Cross has some good resources for that: redcross.org/watersafety and redcross.org/watersafetyforkids.
33. Practice social distancing in or out of the water. If you think your children will have difficulty with this, plan a different activity.
34. Only use areas that are designated safe for swimming.
35. Make sure that anyone who needs a lifejacket wears one that is Coastguard-approved.
36. In case of an emergency, don’t try to rescue another person. Throw them an object or reach to them from the side instead.
37. If anyone’s diving, be sure the water is deep enough and warn them never to dive headfirst.
38. Wear masks on land, but don’t wear them in the water. They can make breathing difficult.
39. Again, don’t share goggles, snorkels, nose clips, or any other personal items.
40. If a child is missing, every second counts. Always check the water first.
Beach Safety
There’s a good chance that beaches will be closed in most communities this year, so call before you plan a beach day. If you do go:
41. Remember COVID-19 precautions: Social distancing, face coverings on land, no sharing of personal items.
42. Keep an eye on the weather and listen for beach advisories.
43. If there are beach signs or warning flags, obey them and make sure children understand them.
44. If there is no lifeguard, have a dedicated safety person to watch out for swimmers. Pay careful attention to children and seniors; waves can knock them off their feet.
45. Don’t swim out over your head unless you’re sure you have enough energy to get back.
46. Be sure everyone knows how to swim out of a rip current (swim parallel to the shore until it releases). They can occur at any beach with waves.
47. Don’t swim if you’re drinking alcohol or otherwise impaired.
48. Don’t allow anyone to swim alone.
49. Lifejackets, if needed, should be Coastguard-approved.
50. Make sure everyone applies sunscreen and reapplies as needed.
No doubt about it, Fourth of July celebrations will be different this year. But it’s still possible to have fun with careful social distancing, common sense, and above all, the company of people you care about.
However you choose to spend it, we hope you have a safe and fun-filled Independence Day!
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