How to Ensure Your Fourth of July is a Fun, Safe and Enjoyable Holiday

Americans have been celebrating the Fourth of July since 1777. And while the spirit of the holiday remains the same, nowadays we celebrate with parades, word-class barbecuing, and dazzling fireworks displays.

But with all the celebrating, it can be easy to let the holiday get away from us and for injuries to happen. So we've put together some tips on how to stay safe as you celebrate.

Light Up Your Holiday: Sparkler and Fireworks Safety

Fireworks and sparklers are one of the best parts of the Fourth of July. You line up with your friends and family and watch as the bright colors make your holiday even more festive. 

But don’t let this festive activity turn your holiday into a nightmare: every year, 280 people for to the emergency room every single day with fireworks-related injuries in the month before the Fourth of July. Here’s what to do to keep yourself and those around you safe: 

• Keep the fireworks away from the kids: You should never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Kids simply don’t know how to handle fireworks properly, and improper handling leads directly to burns.
  
  
• Always supervise your children when they have sparklers: Sparklers, just like fireworks, pose a high burn risk. Sparklers burn at temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures that high can melt Monday, not to mention severely burn your child’s hand.
  
  
• Don’t buy illegal fireworks: Depending on where you live, fireworks may not be legal in your area. Be sure to check local laws and ordinances before buying or lighting fireworks.
  
  
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper: When fireworks are packaged in brown paper, it’s often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays, not consumers.
  
  
• Be aware of fire risk: When you light fireworks, also keep a bucket of water or a hose handy to put out any fires. After a you ignite a firework or sparkler, be sure to allow them to cool down on their own or with water to avoid starting a trash fire.
  
  
• Light the fireworks properly: Don’t position any part of your body directly over a firework when lighting it, or try to shoot off a firework from a metal or glass container. It should go without saying, but you should also never point or direct a firework at another person.
  
  
• After lighting the firework: Be sure to back up a safe a safe distance immediately after lighting a firework. Don’t try to reignite a firework that didn’t fully light the first time. 

Firing Up the Barbecue: Grilling Safety on Independence Day

We love our barbecues, and there’s nothing like grilling out on the Fourth of July. With all that grilling comes some setbacks: July is one of the peak months for grilling fires. Follow these tips to make sure you and those around you stay safe (and full) this holiday: 

• Never leave children unattended by a grill.
• Check your gas grill hoses for any cracks, holes, and leaks.
• Never grill in any enclosed area.
• Keep the grill at least two feet away from anything that could catch fire quickly, like decks, siding, branches, or other outdoor equipment. 

Get Home Safely: Driving Precautions on the Fourth of July

Every year on the Fourth of July, millions of Americans take to the road to visit family, friends, and attend festivities. But the high driving rate—coupled with the amount of alcohol consumed on the Fourth—creates a recipe for car crashes. In fact, the National Safety Council predicts that over 100 people will lose their lives due to car crashes on the Fourth of July. To stay safe, keep the following tips in mind: 

• Do not drink and drive: Don’t drink and drive or let anyone around you drink and drive. In fact, between 2010-2014, July 4th had the second highest percent of car crash deaths linked to alcohol. July 3rd is also in the top ten. So prior to going out to a party, download a ride-sharing app—like Uber or Lyft—or establish a designated driver. You, and those around you, will be happy you did.
  
  
• Wear your seatbelt: Wearing your seatbelt can drastically reduce the amount of injuries you’ll suffer if you are in a car accident. Make sure that you’ve also properly installed and adjusted your child’s car seat.
  
  
• Stay alert: You know that accident rates skyrocket on the Fourth of July, so make sure you’re vigilant of your surroundings while driving. If you see a car driving erratically, call 911 or your local police department. 

How Leap | Carpenter | Kemps Insurance Agency Can Help Protect You and Your Family

We know that the summer holidays, especially the Fourth of July, are one of the best times of the year. We want to help you keep it that way. We’re here to talk about the needs you have based on your personal circumstances, so whether it’s home, health, or auto insurance that you need, we can make sure you get the right coverage. To learn more, contact one of the knowledgeable agents at LCK Insurance Agency today.