July 4th Safety Tips For Homeowners

The Fourth of July is a beloved and exciting time to celebrate our nation and it's history. This Sunday, many of us will head out to gather with friends and family to celebrate – cooking up a storm, hosting parties, and, obviously, setting off fireworks.

While we've all earned some letting loose after the year we've had, it's important to take note of the fact that this weekend can also be dangerous for a number of reasons. If you're hosting or attending a patriotic soiree this weekend, please us cation and keep these things in mind.

Lingering COVID Risks
Lots of us are vaccinated and many COVID related restrictions have been lifted, but remember that there is still good old common sense to apply to every situation. So, if possible, keep your party to a dull roar in terms of size and keep it outside if weather allows.. Celebrating at a small backyard gathering would be a safer setting than going to an indoor party, restaurant or bar. 

Cooking Fires
If we're being honest, the meat is always the best part of the holiday. This. means a record number of grills are firing up around the country in celebration. Cooking fires caused by grills and smokers are clearly hazardous, but so are charcoal ashes or other open fires that quickly get out of control. These claims often hit an individual’s homeowners policy, but can also cause injuries, requiring health insurance.

Sun Damage
Get ready to SPF. The country has been experiencing an unprecedented heart wave and while parts of the country are expecting rain this weekend, we have to stay mindful of the heat and overexposure to the sun's rays. During a weekend with so much going on, it’s easy to ignore the little things like applying, and re-applying sunscreen. The problem is that this leads to sunburn, heat-related illness, and other fun-ruining issues. Make sure you stay on top of your sunscreen application and drink plenty of water!

Car Accidents
Drinking and driving is a major everyday concern, but Independence Day marks the prime time for car crashes.  Our first summer post-COVID is sure to entice more families get out and celebrate and to travel longer distances, putting more cars on the roads and in danger of accidents. It’s a morbid statistic, but more people will die in a car crash on July 4th than any other day of the year. Please remember to celebrate responsibly.

Fireworks
This should come as no surprise to anyone with an uncle. You've all watched your uncles shoot bottle rockets at each other, so, not shockingly, the third most common insurance claim for the 4th is from firework mishaps. Even professionals can make a mistake which can cause accidents, and especially when the firework show is a family-run, low-budget display without necessary precautions. Please be careful. 

Boating
Lastly, boating accidents are a typical claim on Independence Day. Every year there are around 8,000 boating accidents on July 4th. Common boating accidents occur from intoxicated drivers and firework mishaps off of boats or docks. Be prepared for this weekend and ensure your boat insurance policy is up to date.

Pet Protection
​The Fourth of July can also be dangerous for your pets. Many animals are frightened of loud noises, and fireworks could traumatize them. Instead of leaving dogs outside, bring them in when fireworks start. Make sure your pets stay away from grills and sparklers, so they don’t get burned. Even exposure to unlit fireworks could be dangerous because many contain potentially toxic chemicals. 
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Be cautious this year on Independence Day and stay safe. Be on the lookout for intoxicated drivers, make sure you have a permit for professionals and it is legal to light fireworks in your area, and be careful when grilling and using open flames.