With the Independence Day holiday comes a myriad of safety recommendations from public health agencies and politicians alike.
Government warnings about food safety, fireworks precautions, and sun protection are part of the Fourth of July holiday, and although the advice may seem like common knowledge, hospital and emergency room visits tend to spike over Independence Day week.
On average, nearly 91,000 people visit emergency rooms on July 4 and 5, according to the Pew Research Center. That is compared to a national summertime average of nearly 41,000, making Independence Day one of the most dangerous holidays of the year.
Here is some of the best advice from government public health agencies on how to protect yourself from simple mistakes this holiday.
Last month, a photo of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) with cheese on a raw hamburger patty in a staged Father’s Day grilling scene went viral, leading to an onslaught of criticism of the 73-year-old legislator.
The kerfuffle also sparked increased interest in safe internal temperatures for meat as well as proper storage.
“Set off fireworks of flavor – not foodborne illness!” the U.S. Department of Agriculture‘s annual Fourth of July safety message reads.
For those who like smoking their meats over low heat for extended periods, the USDA recommends keeping the temperature between 225 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends throwing out sauces and marinades that have touched raw meat to avoid bacteria cross-contamination.
Both the CDC and the USDA promote the acronym CSCC, or clean, separate, cook, and chill, as a simple reminder to keep food safe from contamination.
Fireworks caused approximately 9,700 injuries and eight deaths last year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. About 42% of the injuries were burns.
Of the 1,500 emergency room visits, 700 were due to sparkler injuries, and 800 were associated with firecrackers.
“Nobody wants to spend July 4th in the ER with their kid,” the USCPSC posted on X. “Let kids look at sparklers, but since it’s a stick burning hot enough to melt some metals, handle it yourself.
The agency reported that the most common fireworks-related injury was to hands and fingers, recommending that those who light fireworks do so quickly and then distance themselves immediately.
With July being UV Light Safety Awareness Month, Independence Day is ripe for messages on sunscreen use.
“Like many Americans, I’m looking forward to getting outside this week to celebrate our nation’s independence,” Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE) said Wednesday on X. “Whether you’re barbecuing, going swimming, or watching a parade, it’s always a good idea to protect your skin from harmful rays!”
The CDC recommends staying in the shade during peak sun hours and using sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher to lower the risk of skin cancer. Sunglasses are also good eye protection.