Safety first as Independence Day approaches

The nation’s birthday is quickly approaching, and while the Fourth of July holiday is filled with fun-filled celebrations, it should be done so safely. 

Statistically, Independence Day is the most-dangerous holiday in the United States, and it’s not just because of firework injuries. Sun-related injuries and alcohol-related injuries are also a major contributing factor. 

What’s the best way to avoid any of these types of injuries? Be vigilant and take every precaution necessary when out and about celebrating our nation’s freedom. 

It may not be the first thing you think of when preparing for celebrating the Fourth of July, but proper care against the sun may be the most important thing you do. Guarding against the sun is a battle on two fronts, internal and external. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids leading up to and on Independence Day and wearing sunscreen on exposed skin are two of the most important steps you can take from preventing dehydration and other heat-related illnesses.

“For the sunburn, I think it’s really important to obviously wear sunscreen, SPF of 30 or greater, apply that 15 to 30 minutes before you go out in the sun and then repeatedly every two hours while you’re in the sun,” AFC Clinical Director Riley Allmoslecher told NewsTalk KZRG. “You know, wear your hat, wear your long sleeves, try to protect yourself from sunburn.”

Of course, lighting off fireworks coincides with celebrating Independence Day. Unfortunately, there are thousands of injuries every year in the United States because of improperly handling fireworks. 

In 2024, there were 11 reported firework-related deaths and an estimated 14,700 people who were injured by fireworks last year. There were an estimated 1,700 emergency room treated injuries in 2024 involving sparklers.

Adults ages 25 to 44 accounted for the largest share of reported injuries (32 percent), followed by people ages 15 to 24 (24 percent). The most frequently injured body parts were hands and fingers (36 percent) and head, face, and ears (22 percent). Burns were the most common injury, making up 37 percent of all emergency room visits.

The best thing you can do in terms of safety is to respect every firework you handle. Some safety tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission to keep in mind when lighting off fireworks:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Supervise all children when handling sparklers because they burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals. 
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Follow all instructions and warnings on fireworks and never hold them in hand unless instructions specify to do so.

Sadly, the Fourth of July is also one of the deadliest holidays in terms of alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents.

From 2019-2023, over 2,650 people were killed in traffic crashes during the Fourth of July holiday period. Of those deaths, roughly 40 percent of drivers killed in crashes during the holiday period were drunks. Young people between the ages of 21-34 accounted for half of those. Alcohol also plays a big role in boating accidents as well as ATV accidents around Independence Day. 

“Anytime we have cause to celebrate anything that seems to involve things that could possibly impair our ability to drive the vehicle safely, and that’s not what we have a problem with,” Missouri State Trooper Sam Carpenter told NewsTalk KZRG. “We have a problem with people that partake in those things that alter their ability to drive safely and then go on ahead and get behind the wheel. And that’s when we get involved. So, obviously, we try to do some education, utilizing resources like yourself that help us get the word out to just make good decisions.”

As Independence Day approaches, please remember to keep safety in mind at all times.