8 Practical Tips For 4th of July Weekend Safety In Florida

If there is anywhere that really goes wild for the 4th of July weekend, it’s Florida. Here in Florida, tons of tourists and residents alike are flocking to spend the holiday on the beaches or out on the water. Our state, unlike many others, doesn’t usually have as many firework restrictions because we have so much water around us; this means it’s no-holds-barred for family gatherings and celebrations with friends. While you’re setting up the barbecue pit, filling the cooler, and sending out runners to every nearby fireworks stand to prepare for the festivities, it’s also important to remember Independence Day safety. This includes fireworks safety, food safety, alcohol safety, and keeping small children’s hands off the hot grill, as well as driving safety. 

Did you know that there are more Independence Day car crashes and fatalities than any other day of the year? Last year, the National Safety Council estimated that nearly 600 people would lose their lives on U.S. roads over July 4th weekend alone; in 2019, over 500 were killed. With everyone out of work and school, traveling to party destinations, and drinking together, it’s no surprise that July 4th is a day to be cautious – both on the roads, on the water, and at home. If you live in or are traveling to Florida, there’s reason for extra caution – Florida is one of the most dangerous states for auto accidents, distracted driving, pedestrian crashes, and boating accidents. 

Celebrating is fun, but you don’t want it to turn tragic. This year, The Florida Law Group is here to share some of our best 4th of July weekend safety tips so you and your family can avoid accidents and injuries. 

1. Carefully Clear Your Outdoor Area For Lawn Play

The 4th is one of the best holidays for outdoor festivities, even in the scorching heat . Whether you are by the water with guests in swimsuits or playing games in an open grassy field, if you are having people over, you can count on children, young adults, and the occasional respectable professional frolicking and hooting through your yard. If you want to avoid anyone getting hurt, get it ready for bare feet and safe play. </p>

Rake the yard of any pinecones, large sticks, and sharp rocks. Check for debris like cans and roofing nails that may have blown in from somewhere else. Make sure you’ve got a clear and safe place to run for your youngest and most exuberant relatives to enjoy! 

2. Never Leave the Grill Unattended

The grill is a sacred part of the 4th of July weekend celebration, often with one chef or a small team of grilling experts working together. Make sure that teamwork includes never, ever, leaving a flaming grill unattended. You can walk away with the lid closed for a few minutes, but you need to keep the grill in the corner of your eye the whole time, or designate someone else to watch it.

You will also want to establish a safety perimeter around the grill where children and pets do not cross. Grills get hot on the outside, and you don’t want any burnt fingertips or soft noses.

3. Establish a Large Fireproof Area for Fireworks

Some of the most important 4th of July weekend safety tips we could impart have to do with fireworks. Where will you be shooting yours off? The ideal space is a large patch of concrete, sand, or gravel where you can be certain that every spark is 100% safe. While most of Florida is far too damp to catch fire, we are always better safe than sorry when it comes to fireworks safety.

When you set up fireworks, make sure to set them firmly in the center of your safety area, and know which way the sparks are going to fly before you light the fuse and step back.

4. Know Who is Holding the Lighters

In any 4th of July party, the lighter-holders become important persons – and you don’t want lighters winding up in the wrong hands. Children, especially, are at risk of hurting themselves if left with a lighter near the pile of fireworks, as they may try to light something without the proper care.

Make sure the lighter-holders are known and in charge of either lighting the fireworks, or retrieving the lighter after a child or friend has lit the fireworks in their stead. This way, you always know who is doing the lighting, and there is never a rogue firework-lighting element that could lead to a fire and to serious burn injuries.

5. Keep Food Platters Hot, Cold, or Freshly Grilled

Don’t forget food safety. In all the excitement of a weekend-long celebration, it’s easy to forget that leaving out a family-sized tray of mac’n’cheese is only safe for a limited amount of time. You need steam warmers or ice baths under your large platters of sides, salads, and pre-cooked foods. This is why cooking burgers and hotdogs on-demand for the family is a popular choice. Burgers are served hot, and there’s no need to keep them in a warmer before everybody eats.

If possible, put a family member who is an experienced cook in charge of maintaining safe temps on the macaroni and potato salad.

6. Plan for Designated Drivers or Sleeping Bags

Perhaps the most critical 4th of July weekend safety tips involve transportation – specifically, doing everything in your power to avoid a car accident. How is everyone getting home after your celebration? You need to plan before you leave home. Some families plan a post-4th sleepover so that everyone can drink and celebrate as they see fit. If you’re hosting a party, collect keys at the beginning of the night. If anyone is planning on driving – to the store, to go home, for any reason – make sure they designate themselves sober at the beginning of the party. Designate drivers and for any party without a designated, call an Uber or lay out the sleeping bags. Getting behind the wheel buzzed or tipsy is illegal and dangerous; there are so many other safer alternatives. 

The same goes for boating. Operating a boat in Florida while intoxicated is as illegal as driving a car while intoxicated. Don’t let drunk relatives drive a boat, and if you want to go boating as part of your celebration, make sure there is at least one (preferably two or more) sober pilots ready to step up.

7. Provide an Abundance of Hydrating Drinks

Summer is hot, Florida is hot, and alcohol is dehydrating – so make sure to keep your family hydrated with a selection of non-alcoholic drinks. Giant pitchers of lemonade, buckets of fruit punch, and coolers of bottled soda can make a world of difference when it comes to avoiding heat exhaustion and other serious dehydration-related consequences. If you or a loved one is drinking in the sun, consider that when factoring in transportation – you can become intoxicated much more quickly in the heat and out on the water (looking at you, Tom Brady) so consuming the same amount you would at an indoor party may not be advised. 

8. Establish a Safe Swimming Area/Supervise Swimmers

If you’re celebrating the holiday on or by the water, this 4th of July weekend safety tip could save lives – set up a safe swimming area & supervise swimmers at all times. Mark with rope and buoys where it is safe to swim, and where the swimming area stops. This will let children know not to swim out into any boating lanes, past a nearby drop-off, or out of sight. If you have boating or water sports, the buoys and rope will keep them from getting too close to the swimming zone. Even if you don’t have the time or resources to set up a safe swimming area, you can still make sure that you are keeping a close eye on people – especially children – who are in the water. Drowning can happen in seconds, and it’s easy to get distracted with all the festivities, but you could prevent a serious accident or even death by paying attention.

What to Do If You Are Injured on Independence Day

What happens if you or someone you know is injured on the 4th of July? Unfortunately, this is a risky holiday, and not because of always the risks we can prepare for, like grill and firework safety. Sometimes you can follow all of the right 4th of July weekend safety tips and still be injured by someone else’s recklessness or negligence. If a drunk driver or drunk boater hit and injured you, or if a defective firework caused a severe injury, we can help. As personal injury attorneys, we know how to ensure you get justice and maximum compensation for the suffering that someone else caused. 

The Florida Law Group hopes that no one is injured this weekend, but if you are, call our firm immediately after seeking medical treatment to schedule a free consultation.