A child wearing heart shaped sun glasses wades in a pool using an orange floatation device.

Grills, Fireworks and Sun: Avoid Burns For a Safe Summer

Tomorrow is Independence Day, and as you prepare to enjoy time outdoors with friends and family, remember to plan ahead and take precautions against burns.

Fun with Fireworks

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2023, 42% of firework injuries treated in emergency rooms were burns. Sparklers, for instance, burn at temperatures of at least 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. Here are some ways you can protect yourself and your loved ones from burns:

  • Attend public firework displays instead of lighting your own.
  • Follow all safety instructions when using fireworks.
  • Consider swapping sparklers for safer alternatives, like glow sticks.
  • Keep children away from fireworks.

Grilling Safety

  • Keep a safe zone: Maintain at least a 3-foot child- and pet-free zone around the grill.
  • Use long-handled tools: Grill-specific utensils help keep hands and arms away from the heat.
  • Wear appropriate clothing: Avoid loose sleeves or dangling fabric that can catch fire.
  • Never leave a lit grill unattended: Stay close and focused while grilling.
  • Keep a spray bottle or fire extinguisher nearby: Quickly tame small flare-ups before they escalate.
  • Cool down safely: Let coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container.

Avoiding Sunburns

  • Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen: Use SPF 30 or higher; reapply every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating.
  • Cover up: Wear hats with brims, sunglasses with UV protection, and long sleeves when possible.
  • Seek shade during peak hours: Avoid direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Be mindful around water, sand, and concrete: These surfaces reflect UV rays and can intensify sunburn risk.
  • Don’t rely on clouds: Up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds—protection is still needed.

If you do get burned, here are basic guidelines:

  • For severe burns: If your burn is more than three inches in diameter, leaking fluid, or if some of your skin was burned away, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
  • For minor burns:
    – Run the affected area under cool or lukewarm water for at least 20 minutes.
    – Apply a non-stick, sterile dressing.
    – Take over-the-counter pain medication for pain and inflammation if needed.

We wish you a safe and happy Fourth of July!