The Fourth of July is one of the most colorful, wonderful-smelling days of the year. From fireworks to barbecues, the Fourth very often seems to have it all. However, if you are hosting this year, then there are several safety precautions you must take. The holidays are always a very busy time, but even if you are feeling a bit overwhelmed with the pressures of cooking and cleaning, it is still important you realize that since you are inviting people to your property, you will also be responsible for their safety. Here are some common concerns a lot of people have regarding Fourth of July safety:
What is the safest way to light fireworks?
Almost everybody enjoys the spectacle of fireworks exploding in the sky. In order to ensure it is a fun, safe experience for all, here are some things you should do:
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before purchasing
- Ensure there are capable adults present at all times. Children should never get their hands on fireworks of any sort
- Keep your pets inside
- Keep a garden hose nearby. If you accidentally start a fire, a hose or fire extinguisher (or both) is your best bet to neutralize the threat as soon as possible
- When lighting fireworks, wear protective glasses
- Never try to relight a firework that didn’t light at first
- Ensure everyone is a safe distance away
- Douse fireworks with cool water after combustion to ensure they are completely out before throwing them away
How do I know if my swimming pool is safe?
By taking a few simple precautionary measures, it is easy to tell whether or not your pool is ready for swimming. Here are some simple things you can do:
- Install all proper barriers, covers, alarms and fencing around your pool area
- If your pool does not have a safe diving area, make it a point to inform all parties who will be swimming that day
- Ensure all children stay away from drains
- Never leave a child in the pool unattended
- If you have a pool deck that gets wet, put out wet floor signs to avoid potential nasty slip-and-fall situations
How do I know my boat is safe?
The weather is nice, the breeze is fine–why wouldn’t you want to take your boat out? Just make sure you check these things before hitting the water:
- Check for serious scrapes on the hull
- If the boat is in the water, ensure the vessel is not taking on water
- Ensure the through-hull connections are not leaking
- Closely examine the condition of the gunwales, transom, outer edge of the bow and cockpit
- Look for signs of blade pitting and irregular surfaces on the propeller
- Ensure the anchor is well-attached to the boat and has an adequate length of ground tackle
- Have working flares on-board
- Have an updated registration decal
- Certificate of Number
- Vessel registration
- Owner contact information
- Accident report form
- Operating manual for radio, engine and more
- Marine towing membership card
Owning a boat is a big responsibility, especially when you have other passengers on-board. Do not drink or take drugs while operating this piece of machinery, whether it is the Fourth of July or not.
Contact our New Jersey firm
If you have been involved in an accident of any sort where you believe the injuries you’ve sustained are due to another party’s negligence, then you should immediately contact one of our experienced attorneys so we can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
