From watching fireworks to having a cookout, we’ve got you covered
[JUNE 26, 2025] – The Fourth of July offers time to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you’re celebrating the holiday by the pool or lake, in the backyard, or on the road, it’s important to keep safety in mind.
The American Red Cross has tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe during the upcoming Independence Day holiday, no matter what your plans include. You can prevent injuries or illnesses and still have fun just by following a few simple tips.
FIREWORKS The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals, at least 500 feet away from the show. Many states outlaw most fireworks and it’s best to leave any area where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.
If you are setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps to help keep your community safe:
Choose a location away from buildings and trees.
Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point fireworks toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
Be sure your spectators, including children and pets, stay well back.
Keep a supply of water or fire extinguisher at hand.
If you live in an area that’s experiencing a drought, consider canceling the show this year — a stray spark that lands on dry grass or leaves can lead to a wildfire.
Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
HAVING A COOKOUT Whether you’re grilling in your backyard or picnicking in nature, follow these steps to prevent illness and keep everyone safe:
Wash your hands, utensils and workstation before preparing the food.
Separate uncooked meats, poultry, and seafood from ready-to-eat foods like salads, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and desserts. Use separate plates and utensils to prevent cross-contamination.
Don’t leave perishable food out in the sun.
Bring hand sanitizer if you won’t have access to hand-washing facilities.
If you are going to cook on the grill, bring a food thermometer to be sure grilled foods are cooked enough.
More than three-quarters of U.S. adults have used a grill, yet grilling sparks more than 10,000 home fires on average each year.
Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
Never grill indoors — not in the house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to help keep the chef safe.
WATER SAFETY Every day, an average of 11 people die in the U.S. from unintentional drowning — and one in five of those are children 14 or younger according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Red Cross encourages families to build confidence in the water by learning to be safe, making good choices, learning to swim and how to handle emergencies.
Preventing unsupervised access to water, providing constant, active adult supervision and knowing how to swim are critical layers of protection to help prevent drowning.
Classes to learn how to swim are available for both children and adults. Check the map for Learn-to-Swim providers in your community. Everyone should learn first aid and CPR too, so they know what to do in an emergency.
It’s best to swim in a lifeguarded area. Whether you’re at a pool or the lake, always designate a “water watcher” whose sole responsibility is to keep a close eye and constant attention on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.
Drowning behavior is typically fast and silent. Unless rescued, a drowning person will last only 20 to 60 seconds before submerging. Reach or throw, don’t go! In the event of an emergency, reach or throw an object to the person in trouble. Don’t go in or you could become a victim yourself.
Watch the weather and get out of the water at the first sign of lightning or the rumble of thunder. Stay indoors and away from water for 30 minutes after the last lightning flashes or thunder roars.
Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
Protect your neck — don’t dive into lakes headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters. Watch out for and avoid aquatic life.
TRAVEL SAFETY A record number of Americans may travel this Fourth of July. AAA estimates 72.2 million travelers will go on a domestic trip, with 61.6 million going by car. With many parties traveling 50 miles or more one way, the Red Cross recommends carrying an emergency kit in the car.
Include the following items:
High-protein snacks, Water, First aid supplies, Flashlight and extra batteries, Small battery-operated radio, Blanket, Jumper cables, Map, Cellphone charger, Emergency contact card with names and phone numbers
Before you hit the road, let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route. Find out what disasters may occur in the place where you are traveling, especially if they are disasters you have never experienced before. Find out how you would get information in the event of a disaster (local radio systems, emergency alert systems). Pay attention to the weather forecast for your destination. Travel and weather web sites can help you avoid storms and other regional challenges that could impact your safety.
Once you’re on the road:
Don’t let your vehicle’s gas tank get too low.
Buckle up, slow down, don’t drive impaired.
Be well rested and alert.
Use caution in work zones.
Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
Observe speed limits — driving too fast or too slow can increase your chance of being in a collision.
Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.
Be respectful of other motorists and follow the rules of the road.
Don’t follow another vehicle too closely.
If you plan on drinking, designate a driver who won’t drink.
Clean your headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or if you are using your windshield wipers due to inclement weather.
Don’t overdrive your headlights.
If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.
DOWNLOAD RED CROSS APPS Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
