Safety Tips for the Fourth of July Weekend 

The Fourth of July often brings fun and fireworks as Americans celebrate, and there are precautions you and your family can take to keep everyone safe and healthy this holiday.

“We want everyone out there to have a safe and fun Fourth of July celebration,” said Ben Deuell, DO, WVU Medicine Emergency Medicine Specialist. “Around this time of year, there are some common issues and injuries we see more often in the emergency department. If we can, we always want to help folks prevent accidents before they happen.” 

Keep reading for some common Fourth of July injuries and safety issues and learn how to stay safe this holiday. 

Firework-related Injuries 

“Firework burns and injuries are definitely one of the most common preventable reasons people visit our Emergency Departments on and around Independence Day,” Dr. Deuell said. “Because fireworks are so volatile, these injuries can include hand burns and injuries, facial burns, eye injuries from debris, temporary or permanent hearing loss and severe burn trauma.” 

If you’re using fireworks this holiday season, never do so while under the influence of alcohol or other substances that can alter judgement and always follow safety instructions. Keep fire extinguishers and water on hand, and if a firework seems to be malfunctioning, stop using it immediately and remove yourself from the area immediately. 

“I would advise against letting children handle fireworks, even sparklers, unattended,” Dr. Deuell said. “Sparklers can seem harmless, but they get extremely hot and can cause serious burns.” 

Attending a professional fireworks display is usually the safest option to enjoy the Fourth of July staple to avoid close-range injuries and issues.  

Heat illness, Dehydration  

“With people spending a lot of time outside and participating in holiday food and drink, heat-related issues like heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke are common,” Dr. Deuell said. “Pay attention to your body temperature, drink plenty of water and limit your time outside in the heat during celebrations.” 

If you’re spending a lot of time outside during the Fourth, watch for these signs of heat exhaustion:  

• Body temperature between 101-104 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Pale skin.  
• Dizziness, weakness, or fatigue.  
• Rapid breathing and increased heart rate.  
• Headaches, nausea, vomiting 

“Heat exhaustion can advance into heat stroke, which is an emergency,” Dr. Deuell said. “If you notice these symptoms, get out of the heat as quickly as possible and cool yourself down.” 

Cookout injuries, illnesses 

Lots of people fire up the grill during the Fourth of July for a cookout, and practicing grill and food safety is key to keeping things safe and enjoyable. 

“It’s not uncommon for us to treat burns from hot grills and grease fires or see food poisoning in the Emergency Department,” Dr. Deuell said. “These are extremely preventable injuries with just a few precautions.” 

Dr. Deuell advises: 

• Keep grills away from structures and any flammable materials
• Don’t leave a lit grill unattended, and don’t let kids or pets around a grill without supervision.
• Use long-handled grilling tools and follow all operation instructions. 
• Use a food thermometer to ensure that meat is cooked to safe temperatures and don’t leave perishable food out for more than 1-2 hours depending on the outside temperatures. 

“I hope everyone out there has a fun and safe Fourth of July,” Dr. Deuell said. “And if an accident does happen, the Emergency Departments at WVU Medicine Berkeley and Jefferson Medical Centers are open and here for the care you need.” 

Featured Expert

Dr. Ben Deuell, DO.