Editor’s note: In observance of the holiday, Facilities Management Advisor will not be publishing content July 4-5 and will return July 8.
In facilities management, workplace safety is key. But, hey, you aren’t always working—at least hopefully not! If you’re one of the millions of Americans set to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, you should make sure to prioritize safety when out of the office, too. To help keep your Independence Day free from hazards, here are some top tips from safety officials.
Fireworks
Fireworks are a holiday staple, but unsurprisingly, things that explode are dangerous. According to a new report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were eight reported deaths and an estimated 9,700 injuries involving fireworks in 2023. Out of the eight deaths, five were associated with firework misuse, two with a device malfunction, and one involving unknown circumstances.
“The safest way to view fireworks is to watch professional displays,” said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric. “If you choose to light your own, make sure you only buy legal fireworks intended for consumer use from a reputable retailer.”
The CPSC offers the following firework safety tips:
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees F—hot enough to melt some metals.
- 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.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
- After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.
Grilling
Hosting a holiday shindig? Get ready to cook a bajillion hotdogs and hamburgers! Here are some grilling safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
- For propane grills, check the gas tank for leaks before use. (Watch the NFPA’s video on how to check for leaks here.)
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
- Place the grill well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.
- If you use starter fluid when charcoal grilling, only use charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. When you have or are finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container.
- Never leave your grill unattended when in use.
Driving
If you’re traveling to a party, please drive carefully. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the July 4th holiday period is one of the most dangerous times of the year on U.S. roadways, with nearly 600 preventable fatalities expected this year.
“Data show 40% of fatalities during the July 4 holiday period involve an alcohol-impaired driver, one of the highest percentages among all the major holidays, which makes staying safe on the roads even more crucial,” said Mark Chung, EVP of roadway practice at the NSC.
On its designated road safety site, the NSC offers the following driving tips:
- Prepare before you go: Before hitting the road, make sure your car is safe for driving. Vehicle owners should check the oil, put air in the tires, and check for and repair open recalls. Visit ChecktoProtect.org to see if your vehicle has an open recall, and get it repaired for free.
- Drive distraction-free: Thousands have died in crashes involving cell phone use. Put your phones away and #JustDrive.
- Slow down: Speeding is a factor in more than a quarter of all traffic fatalities. Drive the speed limit and do not exceed it. Be sure to pay attention to those walking and biking in order to keep all road users safe.
- Designate a sober driver or arrange alternate transportation: Alcohol is only one cause of impaired driving. Drugs, including opioids, marijuana, and some over-the-counter medicines, can cause drowsiness, alter visual functions, and affect mental judgement and motor skills.
- Avoid fatigued driving: Drowsy driving is impaired driving. Getting behind the wheel while fatigued can be deadly. Ensure you are well-rested before you get on the road.
- Buckle up: Seat belts are estimated to have saved 374,276 lives. Every occupant should buckle up appropriately; teens have the lowest rates of seat belt use among all age groups.
- Protect vulnerable passengers: Child safety seats significantly reduce the risk of infant and toddler deaths. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before installing a car seat. If you need help, visit the National Child Passenger Safety Board at cpsboard.org to find a certified technician near you.
- Look before you lock: An average of 37 children die in hot cars each year. Make it a priority to ensure you don’t leave the car without your child passengers when special circumstances break your routine. The temperature in your vehicle can increase up to 19 degrees F in the first 10 minutes after parking and turning off the engine. Visit nsc.org/HotCars to learn more.
- Understand your vehicle’s on-board safety systems: Hundreds of millions of cars have safety technologies—new and old—that help reduce the risk of crashes and deaths. But even the most advanced safety feature cannot replace a safe, focused driver in the car. Visit MyCarDoesWhat.org to learn more.
- Take an alternate path: For shorter trips, consider leaving the car at home and finding a safe biking or walking route to get where you’re headed.
- Watch for all road users: Bicyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and other road users may be more common this holiday weekend. Respect all road users and give everyone around you space to be safe.
Heat
No matter where you’re celebrating, odds are the summer heat will be there with you. Scorching temps can pose serious dangers, including exhaustion and deadly heat stroke. To help you stay healthy and cool, the American Red Cross offers the following heat safety tips:
- Slow down by postponing or limiting outdoor activities. If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks and avoid the hottest part of the day. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle alone.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding 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 library, shopping mall, or public cooling center. Check on loved ones and neighbors who may be at risk and don’t have air conditioning.
With all the top safety tips above, you’re ready to have a fun and safe Fourth of July celebration. Of course, if you encounter an emergency, make sure to call 911 immediately.
Let the party begin!