Stay Safe This 4th of July: A Summit Response Group Public Safety Guide
As we prepare to celebrate America’s Independence Day, it’s important to remember that safety is paramount. The 4th of July is one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States, filled with fireworks, family barbecues, community events, and outdoor fun. But each year, thousands of preventable injuries, accidents, and even fatalities occur. Summit Response Group is committed to helping communities enjoy this patriotic day safely and responsibly. Here are four key areas to focus on this holiday weekend: fireworks safety, hydration, impaired driving prevention, and situational awareness.
Fireworks Safety: Handle With Caution
Fireworks are synonymous with July 4th celebrations, but they also account for a large number of injuries and fires each year. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC, 2023), an estimated 10,200 fireworks-related injuries were treated in emergency departments in 2022, with the majority occurring during the weeks surrounding the 4th of July.
Key safety tips include:
Use only legal fireworks in your state or local area.
Keep a safe distance both for lighting and for spectators.
Always supervise children around fireworks and sparklers.
Keep a hose or bucket of water nearby in case of fire or malfunction.
Never relight “dud” fireworks, and dispose of used fireworks in a bucket of water.
Improper handling of fireworks can cause burns, lacerations, eye injuries, and even death. Let’s keep the celebration fun and avoid a trip to the emergency room by taking the necessary precautions.
Hydration and Heat Safety: Beat the Summer Sun
The combination of high temperatures, outdoor activity, and alcohol consumption makes heat exhaustion and dehydration common concerns on Independence Day. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2023) warns that prolonged exposure to heat without adequate hydration can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
To stay safe:
Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine, which contribute to dehydration.
Wear light-colored, breathable clothing and wide-brimmed hats.
Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
Watch for signs of heat illness, such as dizziness, excessive sweating, nausea, or confusion.
Hydration is especially important for children, older adults, and those with chronic medical conditions who are more vulnerable to heat stress (CDC, 2023). If someone is showing signs of heatstroke confusion, no sweating, or loss of consciousness call 911 immediately.
Impaired Driving: Make a Plan Before You Celebrate
The 4th of July is consistently ranked as one of the deadliest holidays for traffic fatalities due to impaired driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA, 2022), during the 2021 July 4th holiday period, 38% of traffic fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver.
To prevent these tragedies:
Never drink and drive plan a safe ride home before the first drink.
Use rideshare apps, taxis, or designated drivers.
Host responsibly offer non-alcoholic beverages and help guests get home safely.
Report impaired drivers to local authorities if you see dangerous behavior on the road.
Remember: buzzed driving is drunk driving. Don’t risk your life or someone else’s by getting behind the wheel impaired.
Situational Awareness: “If You See Something, Say Something®”
With large gatherings, parades, and fireworks displays comes the need for enhanced situational awareness. Although most events are peaceful and safe, it only takes one threat to disrupt an entire community. That’s why the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign is more important than ever.
Public safety starts with all of us. Here’s how you can help:
Be alert to your surroundings in crowded areas.
Report suspicious behavior, such as unattended bags, unusual vehicles, or individuals acting oddly.
Know your exits and emergency procedures at large events.
Trust your instincts if something feels wrong, say something.
DHS (2024) emphasizes that you don’t need to know what type of threat may be occurring simply noticing something that doesn’t feel right is enough to speak up. Contact local law enforcement or event security to report concerns.
Summit Response Group: Your Partner in Community Safety
At Summit Response Group, we believe safety is everyone’s responsibility but we also know that leadership, training, and preparation make the difference. As public safety professionals, veterans, and emergency management experts, our mission is to ensure that communities are resilient, prepared, and protected.
This 4th of July, let’s honor the freedoms we enjoy by committing to responsibility and vigilance. From keeping children safe from fireworks to staying hydrated in the summer heat, to making the right choices when it comes to alcohol and driving every step you take helps protect the people around you.
We wish you and your family a safe, joyful, and meaningful Independence Day.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Extreme heat: Preventing heat-related illness. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html
Consumer Product Safety Commission. (2023). Fireworks safety: Injury statistics and tips. https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks
Department of Homeland Security. (2024). If you see something, say something®. https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2022). Drunk driving and holiday fatality statistics. https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving
