Foodborne illness, fireworks injuries, and heat exhaustion are just some public health safety concerns likely to arise during Independence Day celebrations across the country this weekend.
According to the Pew Research Center, roughly 91,000 people visit emergency rooms on July 4 and 5 each year, 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:
Food safety for barbecues
Last year, a photo of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) putting cheese on a raw hamburger during a staged Father’s Day grilling scene went viral. Schumer had to take down the post to avoid ridicule.
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) rehashed the incident on X last week with a photo of raw patties on his grill, quipping at Schumer’s expense as to whether they were ready for cheese.
The incident is a good reminder to properly heat food, especially raw meat, to avoid foodborne illnesses.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service Administrator Dr. Denise Eblen issued an advisory on Monday stating that proper food handling is essential for any celebratory occasion this summer.
“Summer barbecues are a favorite tradition, but they also present unique food safety challenges when cooking outdoors and away from the safety of a kitchen,” Elben said. “Safe food handling is the best ingredient for a successful cookout.”
The USDA recommends keeping all food out of the 40-degree to 140-degree Fahrenheit range, known as the “danger zone,” because of the possibility of bacterial growth. The agency recommends using a meat thermometer every time to ensure a safe internal temperature.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that roughly 9.9 million people suffered from food poisoning in 2019, the most recent year for which data are available, resulting in more than 53,000 hospitalizations and 931 deaths.
Firework safety tips
Fireworks are a leading cause of injuries in the United States during the summer.
There were 11 reported fireworks-related deaths in 2024, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Most of these deaths were the result of misuse or device malfunction.
Roughly 14,700 injuries were treated in emergency rooms last year, an increase of more than 52% from 2023. Nearly a quarter of those injuries were to the head, face, or ears, while another 36% were to the hands and fingers.
The CPSC has received some online attention for posting numerous videos on social media of mannequins being blown to smithereens to reenact severe fireworks injuries as a public safety campaign.
Some of the videos include blowing off mannequins’ heads, lighting them on fire, and shooting them in the head with rogue fireworks, all of which are based on real injury reports.
“As people have pointed out, these firework safety videos come across as entertaining to an extent. That’s because this is what works on social media,” the CPSC posted on X Monday in its defense. “If anyone wants a more sobering perspective on firework dangers, simply search ‘firework death’ and read any news story you see.”
The CPSC advises against allowing children to play with or ignite fireworks and against trying to relight or pick up a firework that has not properly ignited.
The agency also recommends keeping a bucket of water or a hose handy in case of fire.
Extreme heat
Nearly 190 million Americans were under some sort of heat advisory or warning last week as a heatwave broke temperature records from Alaska to New England.
Even though temperatures have lowered from last week’s highs, staying safe throughout the summer is important, especially during outdoor activities over Independence Day weekend.
A study published last year by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that more than 21,518 people have died from heat-related causes in the U.S. since 1999. That’s a 117% increase over 24 years, with a significant upward trend since 2016.
In 2023 alone, the hottest year on record, there were 2,325 heat-related deaths reported nationwide.
Symptoms of overheating include muscle cramping, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, weakness, and nausea.
Older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions are at greater risk of experiencing heat exhaustion.
Certain common medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines, thyroid replacement medications, and some blood pressure medications, can also make a patient more susceptible to heat-related health issues.
RECORD-HIGH 72.2 MILLION PEOPLE EXPECTED TO TRAVEL WITHIN COUNTRY FOR JULY 4
The Department of Homeland Security recommends avoiding high-intensity activities outdoors during midday, drinking plenty of fluid to stay hydrated, and wearing loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing to keep cool.
“In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death,” reads the DHS advisory on heat protection. “Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.”