Fourth of July Safety Tips

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July Fourth is a fun time to spend with friends and family. Many of us prepare to celebrate by having barbecues, cookouts, and watching fireworks. But as we celebrate Independence Day, it is important to be mindful of ways to stay safe during this holiday, to protect ourselves and our loved ones from harm.  

You may want to set off fireworks as part of your Fourth of July celebration; however, it is important to know that all fireworks, including Roman candles, bottle rockets, bombs, skyrockets, and other aerial devices, are illegal in New York City. 

New York State law allows the sale and use of sparklers but limits the types and sizes. They must be handheld or mounted on a base or spike and must be no more than 500 grams of pyrotechnic composition. 

However, if you live on Long Island, in New York City, or in parts of the Hudson Valley, sparklers are banned. 

The safest way to enjoy them is to attend a public fireworks show that is put on by professionals. If you do use fireworks in a state, city, or county where they are legal, follow these tips for the safety of yourself and your loved ones: 

  • Read and follow all safety information and instructions for proper use. 
  • Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection 
  • Keep small children away from fireworks. 
  • Have a bucket of water or a hose ready to extinguish accidental fires. 
  • Never allow anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs to use fireworks. 
  • Light one device at a time. 
  • Never try to light a device that didn’t light the first time. 
  • Only use fireworks away from people, pets, buildings, and flammable materials.  
  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place that is away from children and pets 
  • Never use fireworks around pets. Keep them indoors. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma, and many pets are also fearful of loud noises and can become lost, scared, or disoriented. 
  • Soak all used and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before throwing them away. 

If your state and local ordinances do not allow fireworks, consider celebrating with glow sticks, noise makers, and/or silly string as an alternative. 

Here are some other tips to help you celebrate July 4th safely:  

  • Summer heat can be unbearable and very dangerous. If there are extremely high temperatures where you are celebrating, it is important to ensure everyone’s safety by doing the following:  
    • Postpone or limit outdoor activities. If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks and avoid the hottest part of the day. Never leave children or pets alone in a vehicle.  
    • Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks. Check that animals also have access to fresh water and shade.  
    • Spend time indoors in an air-conditioned place. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to a public place that has one. Check on loved ones and neighbors who may be at risk and don’t have air conditioning.   
  • It is important to know what to do in case of emergencies, as they can happen no matter where you may be. Taking a first aid class and being trained in first aid gives you the ability to respond when minutes matter. Having the knowledge of what to do in specific emergencies and helping care for people as you wait for medical professionals to arrive gives that person the best chance for a positive outcome. No matter the emergency, being trained in first aid can be a lifesaving tool. 

If you or a loved one is suffering from injuries after a Fourth of July celebration, you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001. If there is an emergency, call 911 immediately. 

 

 

 

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All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.