How to Celebrate Smart This Fourth of July

It’s a time for fireworks, flags, flame-grilling, and folding chairs. Across the country this week, families, friends, and freedom-loving revelers will gather to celebrate Independence Day with all the flair it deserves.

But amid the fun, there’s a serious side to July 4th that doesn’t get as much attention: the spike in accidents, injuries, and emergency room visits. 

From firework mishaps to slip-and-falls at the neighborhood cookout, this all-American holiday has a surprisingly dangerous track record.

At Morgan & Morgan, we’re all about celebrating safely. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you prevent accidents while still enjoying all the hot dogs, sparklers, and summer vibes the Fourth has to offer.

Why July 4th Is One of the Most Dangerous Holidays

You might be surprised to learn that Independence Day consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous holidays in the U.S. 

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), fireworks alone send over 10,000 people to the ER every year, with more than half of those injuries happening around July 4th.

And that’s just fireworks. Add in alcohol-related car accidents, burns from grills or bonfires, and drownings from boating incidents, and you’ve got a perfect storm of summertime hazards.

But don’t worry. We’re not here to ruin the fun. We just want to help you stay out of the ER and keep your celebration lawsuit-free.

Fireworks: Fun to Watch, Dangerous to Handle

Let’s start with the big one: fireworks. Sure, they’re part of the tradition, but when it comes to safety, fireworks are no joke.

Accidents to watch out for:

• Burns from holding fireworks too long
• Eye injuries from flying debris
• Fires started by improperly disposed fireworks
• Injuries to bystanders (especially kids and pets)
  
   

How to stay safe:

• Leave the big stuff to the pros. Go to a public fireworks show rather than lighting your own.
• If you must do at-home fireworks, stick to legal, small-scale items like sparklers, and supervise kids at all times.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes, then soak it in water.
• Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby just in case.

Oh, and sparklers? They might seem harmless, but they can burn at up to 2,000°F, hot enough to melt metal. Be careful.

Grilling: A Hot Topic

Nothing says July 4th like burgers and brats on the grill, but grilling is another major source of injury on Independence Day.

Common grilling-related injuries include:

• Burns from touching hot surfaces
• Grease fires
• Carbon monoxide poisoning from improper ventilation
• Trip hazards around the grill area
  
   

But you can stay safe with these tips:

• Keep grills at least 10 feet from your house, deck railings, or anything flammable.
• Never leave a lit grill unattended.
• Use long-handled tools to avoid burns.
• Make sure your grill is on a stable, flat surface.
• If you're using a propane grill, check for leaks before lighting.

And if your grill flames up unexpectedly, don’t toss water on a grease fire; it’ll make it worse. Use baking soda or a fire extinguisher instead.

Pools, Lakes, and Boats: Celebrate Without Making Waves

Cooling off in the water is a great way to beat the heat, but aquatic fun can turn tragic fast without proper precautions.

Top water-related risks:

• Drownings (especially among children)
• Boating collisions or capsizing
• Alcohol-related accidents on the water
• Slips and falls on wet pool decks
  
   

To reduce the risk:

• Always have a designated “water watcher,” especially when kids are around.
• Don’t mix alcohol with boating or swimming.
• Wear life jackets on boats or jet skis, even if you're a strong swimmer.
• Make sure your pool area is gated and well-lit at night.
• Walk (don’t run!) near pools; your dignity and your tailbone will thank you.
  
   

Don’t Drink and Drive (or Let Anyone Else)

This should go without saying, but every year, countless people make the mistake of getting behind the wheel after drinking. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the July 4th weekend consistently sees a surge in DUI-related fatalities.

Our advice is simple: plan ahead. Designate a sober driver, use rideshare apps, or stay the night. If you're hosting, offer non-alcoholic drinks and make sure guests get home safe. Watch for signs of intoxication and take keys away from anyone who shouldn’t be driving.

Freedom is great, but so is not ending up in court or the ER.

Injured on July 4th? You May Have Legal Options

Despite your best efforts, accidents can still happen, and sometimes, they happen because someone else was negligent. 

If you or a loved one is seriously injured on or around July 4th, you may be entitled to compensation, especially if the injury was due to faulty fireworks or products, a car accident caused by a drunk driver, or defective grills or propane tanks.

At Morgan & Morgan, we’ve been fighting for the people for over 35 years. We take injuries seriously, especially when they interrupt something as special as a holiday with loved ones. If something goes wrong, don’t wait. Contact us for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.