The Fourth of July in North Texas is all about fireworks, backyard BBQs, and time with family and friends. As you get ready to celebrate, keeping safety and health in mind will help you enjoy the festivities without any unwanted surprises. Here’s how you can make your Independence Day both fun and safe.

Prevent Firework Injuries

Fireworks are a Fourth of July staple, but they can be dangerous. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), fireworks were involved in over 9,700 injuries treated in emergency rooms in 2023, with nearly three-quarters of those injuries occurring during the two weeks surrounding Independence Day. Hands, fingers, eyes, and faces are the most commonly injured areas. Teenagers (ages 15–19) and children (ages 5–9) are at the highest risk for fireworks-related injuries.

To stay safe:

• Leave the fireworks to the pros. Attending a public fireworks display is the safest option.
• If you do use consumer fireworks, never allow young children to handle them. Even sparklers can burn at nearly 2,000°F — hot enough to melt metal.
• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby, and never relight a "dud" firework.
• Light fireworks one at a time, and back up to a safe distance immediately.

BBQ and Grilling: Preventing Burns and Injuries

Backyard grilling is a highlight of the holiday, but it’s also a common source of injury. Over the past decade, grilling-related injuries treated in emergency departments have risen by 18%. Children under 10 account for 21% of these injuries, and men are more likely to be injured than women. Most injuries are burns to the upper extremities — shoulders, arms, and hands.

Grill safely by:

• Keeping your grill at least 10 feet away from your house, power lines, and electrical equipment.
• Supervising the grill at all times and turning it off when not in use.
• Using grills only in open, well-ventilated outdoor areas.
• Making sure children and pets stay at least three feet away from the grill

Food Safety: Keeping Your Cookout Healthy

Warm Texas weather is perfect for a BBQ — but also for bacteria. Foodborne illnesses spike in summer, so taking simple precautions can keep everyone healthy.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Wash your hands before and after handling food. Bring hand sanitizer or wipes if you’re away from running water.
• Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood cold (below 40°F) until you’re ready to cook. Use an insulated cooler if you’re outdoors.
• Marinate meats in the refrigerator, not on the counter. If you want to use marinade as a sauce, set some aside before it touches raw meat, or boil it before serving.
• Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and cutting boards for raw and cooked foods.
• Cook meats to safe internal temperatures:
• Beef, pork, lamb, veal (steaks, chops, roasts): 145°F (let rest 3 minutes)
• Ground meats: 160°F
• Poultry: 165°F
• Fish: 145°F
• Refrigerate leftovers within two hours (one hour if it’s above 90°F outside).

Symptoms of foodborne illness include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. If anyone feels ill after the cookout, seek medical attention as needed.

Stay Cool and Hydrated

Texas summers can be brutally hot, and it’s easy to get overheated when you're outside all day. Heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious, and they can happen quickly, especially in children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions.

Ways to beat the heat:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Limit alcohol and sugary drinks, which can dehydrate you.
• Take breaks in the shade or air conditioning when possible.
• Dress in lightweight, light-colored clothing and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face from the sun.
• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Keep an Eye on Alcohol and Fire Pit Safety

Whether it’s an evening by the fire pit or an adult beverage by the pool, holiday celebrations can sometimes lead to risky behavior. Alcohol plays a role in many summer injuries, including falls, burns, and drownings.

To keep festivities safe:

• If you’re drinking, pace yourself and drink water between alcoholic beverages.
• Never light fireworks or operate a grill while under the influence.
• Supervise kids closely around fire pits, grills, and water, especially if alcohol is involved.
• Make sure fire pits are fully extinguished before heading inside for the night.

The Takeway

You don’t have to skip the fun to stay safe this Fourth of July — you just need to plan ahead and make smart choices. Whether you’re watching fireworks, flipping burgers, or lounging in the sun, your health and safety should always be part of the celebration.

Sources:

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: 2023 Fireworks Report
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Food Safety for Summer
• CDC: Heat-Related Illnesses