The Fourth of July is all about making memories with family and friends. Many of the injuries we see during the Fourth of July holiday are associated with fireworks, grills, and water activities. Keeping these safety tips top of mind can help families focus on enjoying the celebration.
Fireworks: Enjoy the show, skip the risk
Fireworks can cause serious injuries in seconds. Even sparklers burn at nearly 2,000°F, making them unsafe for young children.
Instead:
- Attend a professional fireworks display.
- Keep children away from all fireworks and sparklers.
- Choose glow sticks or LED toys for a safe, festive alternative.
Grill safely
Backyard barbecues are a holiday favorite, but grills stay hot long after cooking.
Help prevent burns by:
- Creating a 3-foot kid-free zone around the grill.
- Keeping matches, lighter fluid, and hot utensils out of reach.
- Never leaving a hot grill unattended.
Stay safe around water
Whether you're at the pool, lake, or splash pad, active supervision is essential.
Remember to:
- Keep young children within arm's reach.
- Designate a "water watcher."
- Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when appropriate.
Beat the heat
Summer temperatures can rise quickly.
Keep everyone comfortable by:
- Drinking plenty of water.
- Taking breaks in the shade.
- Wearing sunscreen and lightweight clothing.
If your celebration takes an unexpected turn and your family needs emergency care, call 911 or visit our Main Emergency Department off Quivira, or one of our freestanding emergency departments, ER of Shawnee or ER of Olathe. Our team is here 24/7 to provide expert care when you need it most.
About Dr. David Juang
David Juang, MD, is a board-certified pediatric surgeon, general surgeon and surgical intensivist at Pediatric Surgical Specialists in Overland Park, KS. He is affiliated with Overland Park Regional Medical Center.
Dr. Juang completed his general surgery residency and surgical critical care fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh before moving to Kansas City to complete a fellowship in pediatric general surgery. His clinical and research interests have led to multiple publications in pediatric trauma and injury prevention, minimally invasive pediatric surgery, neonatal surgery and pediatric surgical critical care.
Dr. Juang previously spent over a decade caring for children and neonates as the Medical Director for Trauma and Surgical Critical Care at a large urban children’s hospital and Level One pediatric trauma center.
Dr. Juang believes each child and parent should be treated like they were his own family. Dr. Juang focuses on making his patients feel comfortable and understand their healthcare needs. This empowers patients and their families to make a combined, educated decision on their treatment plan.