Fourth of July weekend is nearly upon us, and we’re all ready to celebrate one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. As you make plans for pool parties, backyard barbecues, firework shows, and celebratory drinks with friends and family—it’s important to take a moment to brush up on your Las Vegas July Fourth safety plans too. To help get you started, our team at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys compiled this helpful guide to help make sure everyone has a fun, accident-free holiday weekend.
Swimming Pool Injuries
Swimming pools are a refuge from triple digit temperatures in Las Vegas, but they can also be dangerous, especially for young children. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of one and four. In addition, 71% of fatal drowning accidents involving children under the age of 15 occur in residential swimming pools.
While a personal injury attorney may be able to help if you or your child suffer a swimming pool accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, the best defense of course is to prevent these accidents altogether. Whether you’re hosting a pool party at your home or are an attendee, keep these injury prevention tips in mind during your July Fourth celebrations.
Supervise Children in the Pool
Always supervise children whenever they are near or in the pool, even if a lifeguard is present. Small children can drown in less than two inches of water, and the signs of drowning are easy to miss. Your own eyes are your child’s best defense against accidental drowning.
While children are most at risk of accidental drowning, adults should also keep an eye out for each other. The combination of heat and alcohol consumption can easily lead to dehydration or heatstroke and cause injury or drowning.
Make Sure Children Use a Flotation Device
Children and adults who don’t have strong swimming skills should wear a personal flotation device when in the pool. Look for devices approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and be sure to choose the right size based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Avoid cheaply made flotation devices, which are more likely to be dangerous or defective.
No Running Near the Pool
Encourage kids and adults alike not to run around the pool. Slick surfaces can easily cause a slip-and-fall accident if you’re not careful. You may also want to limit the number of people going in and out of the house after getting out of the pool. Asks guests to dry off before entering to prevent slipping hazards inside.
No Diving into Shallow Water
Avoid the temptation to dive into the pool. In order to safely dive, water should be at least twice the depth of your height, which is deeper than the average residential pool. Diving with poor form, even in the correct depths, can lead to traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, paralysis, or death. The best rule of thumb is just not to dive in residential pools altogether.
Get CPR Certified
Consider getting CPR certified if you own a home with a pool or swim frequently. You can access online and in-person courses about CPR, swimming and water safety, and other first aid topics through the American Red Cross Training Services program.
Barbecue Grill Injuries
After all that swimming, you may fire up the grill for some all-American hot dogs and burgers. But did you know that between 2017 and 2021, an average of 22,155 Americans went to the E.R. every year on account of grill-related injuries? Nearly half suffered thermal burns, and nearly 46% of burn injuries affected children under the age of five.
If you have the honor of being a grill master for your Independence Day get-together, utilize these Las Vegas July Fourth grill safety tips to protect you and your guests.
Check for Gas Leaks
If you’re firing up the propane grill for the first time in a while, always check the gas tank hose for leaks. You can do this by applying a light solution of water and soap to the hose. If the hose releases bubbles or you smell gas, you likely have a gas leak. Turn off the gas tank and the grill if there is no flame and have your grill serviced by a professional if the leak stops. If the leak continues, contact your local fire department.
If you ever smell gas while cooking, move everyone away from the grill and immediately call the fire department.
Set Up Your Grill in a Safe Location
Strategically place your grill in a safe location that’s away from potential fire hazards. Grills should not be kept too close to your home, near deck railings, under eaves, or under branches. Avoid areas that are uneven or have high foot traffic.
Keep Kids and Pets at Least Three Feet Away from the Grill
Kids and pets are particularly susceptible to accidental burns from outdoor grilling. Keep an eye on Fido and the kids while grilling. If you’re using a charcoal grill, you should also keep starter fluid and any other dangerous grilling instruments out of reach of children. Never leave your grill unattended!
Bonus Tip: Be mindful of food allergies, sensitivities, and food spoilage when cooking for Fourth of July celebrations. Make sure perishable food is not left out and that hamburgers are cooked thoroughly to prevent salmonella or E. coli.
Fireworks Injuries
If there’s one thing America loves, it’s celebrating our independence by setting things ablaze with pretty colors and loud noises. For those who plan on having a small firework show of their own, remember to follow all Nevada laws concerning fireworks, including only setting off “safe and sane” fireworks from June 28 through midnight on July 4.
Remember—explosive fireworks that shoot up into the air or explode when detonated on the ground are illegal in Clark County. Here are some more Las Vegas July Fourth safety tips for handling fireworks.
Keep Your Distance
Whether you are lighting them yourself or just enjoying the show, make sure to keep your distance from lit fireworks. You should only light one at a time and move far away quickly once the firework has been lit. Fireworks should only be lit under adult supervision and children and pets should especially be kept far away from fireworks. Even sparklers can cause thermal burns, so watch children carefully.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Most of the time, fireworks go off without a hitch, but it’s always best to be prepared in case of a mishap. Always have a bucket of water, hose and an unexpired fire extinguisher nearby to ensure that your home and loved ones are protected from stray fireworks. If a firework fails to light, keep people away from the item for several minutes. A malfunctioning fuse can delay ignition.
Dispose of Fireworks Safely
Discharged fireworks can still be dangerous. Keep an eye out for leftover embers, sparks, or heated debris that could reignite, and place all used fireworks in a bucket of water overnight to prevent fires.
Alcohol-Related Injuries
Living in Las Vegas provides unique opportunities to celebrate the Fourth of July on the Strip or near downtown Fremont in addition to celebrating from home. Whether you’re going out on the town or enjoying drinks at your own party, make sure you drink responsibly with these safety tips.
Don’t Overserve Your Guests
As a host, you want to make sure that your friends and family are having a great time, but you also want to make sure that they make it home safely. Drinking too much can result in vomiting, unconsciousness, seizures, and even death. Offer guests water and food to help metabolize alcohol and prevent dehydration. Watch for signs of over-intoxication and don’t be afraid to cut someone off.
Don’t Drink and Drive
Drinking and driving caused as many as 38% of all deadly car accidents during July Fourth weekend from 2017 to 2021 according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission (NHTSC).
This Las Vegas July Fourth safety tip is pretty simple: if you are drinking, don’t drive. You should also never get into a car with another driver that has been drinking. Take a cab, use a rideshare, or call a trusted (sober) friend for a ride. If you’re hosting, take the keys away from inebriated drivers and offer guests a place to stay for the night if they’ve had too much to drink.
Injured During the Fourth of July? Lerner and Rowe Can Help
Despite taking all the right precautions, personal injury can happen to anyone, even on holidays. At Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys, we understand that accidents don’t take time off—and neither do we. If you or a loved one is injured over the Fourth of July weekend due to someone else’s negligence, contact our legal team 24/7 by calling 702-877-1500. We’ll schedule a free consultation to discuss your injuries and whether or not you may have a personal injury case.
You can also get in touch with us by sending us a message through our secure contact form, or by chatting with a representative using our LiveChat feature.
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.