4th of July Safety Tips

As soon as July hits, it’s time to buy fireworks, scout out the best picnic shelter, and find Grandma’s recipe for potato salad. Independence Day is only days away!

Whether you have a big family reunion or an intimate gathering with your immediate family, celebrating the 4th of July is a blast for kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to remember the freedom we have and the brave people who fought to give it to us.

While you’re making happy Independence Day memories, don’t make bad memories, too. Safety hazards are especially prevalent on the 4th. Fireworks, grilling, and a visit to the beach are amazing ways to celebrate, but they can turn sour quickly.

At Trucordia, we know a thing or two about hazards. We’ve cultivated some tips and to-dos to help you and your family stay safe this Independence Day.

Want to go someplace to celebrate? Check out the different events in the Seattle area and other events across Washington.

Firework Safety

You know not to let kids light fireworks or to point them at people, but here are some facts and advice you may not have heard.

  • Practice good fire safety

    Practicing good fire safety, namely clearly a large area of all flammable materials, can help keep a blaze from starting if a spark starts.

  • Don’t re-light fireworks

    If it doesn’t light the first time, it’s malfunctioning and could backfire on you. (One of our staff members burnt a hole in her pants from a malfunctioning firework–don’t let that be you!)

  • Read firework labels

    Check to see if your fireworks have lighting directions and manufacturer information–if they don’t, they’re likely illegal, and thus, dangerous. Want to know what fireworks are legal? View this page from Washington State Patrol to see what fireworks are legal (and safe) to use.

  • Don’t light several at once

    Although it would look pretty to have several explosions going off at once, if something goes wrong, you don’t want to have to put out multiple blazes.

  • Don’t use containers

    Although you want to keep your fireworks steady, don’t place them in containers, especially metal or glass. They can explode and cause even more injuries than a firework.

  • Be safe with sparklers

    In a study done in 2017, sparklers caused more injuries than all firecrackers combined. Make sure your kids are old enough to understand how to handle sparklers safely.

Do you have little kids and can’t travel to see a fireworks show? Use glow sticks instead! Get neon clothing and light-up accessories to light up the night once the sun goes down.

Food Safety

Most families love to grill for the 4th, but are you following safe grilling protocol? Check your grill’s manual to make sure your grill is being used properly.

Here’s some more advice on food safety to keep your family from getting sick:

  • Place your grill carefully

    Make sure you’ve placed your grill in an area with few flammable materials. Never use your grill on a wooden porch, either, as it would only take one spark to start a fire.

  • Cook food thoroughly

    For all hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwursts, and other meats, cook them until they’re at the proper temperature according to FDA standards.

  • Keep your hands clean

    Whether you’re inside or outside, you should wash your hands frequently. Make sure to keep had sanitizer nearby for your guests so everyone can enjoy finger foods without fear.

  • Keep food at correct temperature

    To keep your watermelon and potato salad cool, keep them and other cold food items in a cooler filled with ice packs or a fridge. For your burgers and other hot food items, keep them in heated or double-walled containers to keep them hot.

    No matter what, don’t let food sit out for more than 2 hours. This will help keep your food safe to eat (and tasty, too).

Water Safety

Washington state has some amazing beaches that can make for the best 4th of July celebrations. But as you know, water poses a slew of risks. Follow these tips and check out the page from the Washington State Department of Health to find good places to celebrate and stay safe.

  • Operate water toys safely

    Operating toys like jet skis and boats can be fun, but only if you do it safely. Double-check the Washington State Boating Rules and Regulations before you operate any toys or bring guests with you. And if you have kids, make sure they’re old enough to do these activities.

  • Wear life vests

    Whenever you’re doing a high-risk water activity, make sure everyone present is wearing a life vest. Jet skiing, water skiing, and tubing are all activities that require life vests, just to name a few.

  • Never leave children unattended

    Even a pool can be dangerous if someone’s not watching the kiddos, so always assign a responsible adult to child-care.

    And don’t just put the parents on watch; rotate the responsibility between individuals so everyone has some time off in between ensuring the kids are safe.

  • Be safe in the ocean

    If you’re swimming in the Puget Sound or on the coast, remind everyone to stick close to shore. The further you swim out, the further you have to swim back, which can be dangerous if you’re already tired.

    And if you have children in the water, make sure an adult is sticking close them as they swim. That way if any child drifts too far, someone can easily get them.

No matter how you celebrate the 4th of July, make sure you follow good practices and instructions to keep making happy memories all day (and night) long. If something does go wrong, though, count on Trucordia to help out.

If a spark catches your roof on fire, or someone gets injured, we’ll help you file a claim, pay fees, or update your insurance for next time.

If you have questions about home insurance or Trucordia, you can contact us via a phone call, text, or email. You can also use our booking website to schedule a visit once we’re back in the office on July 6th.

Or, if you need to manage your policy, you can use our client self-service portal or our mobile app. Have a happy Independence Day!