Staying Safe During Fourth of July Festivities This Year
It’s almost time to celebrate the birthplace of our nation and that equates to lots of upcoming barbecues, parades and fireworks displays in celebration of the Fourth of July. And while you are picking out the perfect patriotic outfit and choosing which activities you want to attend with your family, you should also take some time to familiarize yourself with the potentially dangerous aspect of these celebratory events. The last thing you want is for you or any of your loved ones to be celebrating the festivities from a hospital emergency room. Therefore, you should contemplate in advance how to help keep yourself and those you care about safe.
These are some key safety tips to keep in mind this Independence Day.
- Let the professionals handle the fireworks. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2017, at least eight people died and about 12,900 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents. Many of these incidents were the unfortunate result of home fireworks displays where something went wrong around the Fourth of July. Your chances of staying safe are typically better at professional events although, interestingly, the Orlando Sentinel recently reported that the city of Apopka has decided against buying insurance for this year’s fireworks display.
- Enjoy alcoholic beverages in moderation. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a few libations on the Fourth, but it is important to do so slowly. Pacing yourself can help prevent unwanted complications such as alcohol poisoning and dehydration, which can happen more easily when drinking outdoors. Ensure that you stay hydrated by drinking a glass of water between each beer or cocktail. Additionally, drink mixed beverages instead of consuming liquor on the rocks or in the form of shots.
- Factor in the road conditions. Many people will be taking advantage of the fact that the holiday falls on a Thursday by traveling out of town for a long weekend. If you decide to join them, make sure that you get on the road early to prevent any accidents caused by rushing to your destination. Additionally, consider using ride sharing applications such as Uber and Lyft in order to avoid complications of parking at large events. That way, you also get the added benefit of not having to worry about drinking and driving.
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in an Accident This Fourth of July Season Because of Someone Else’s Negligence?
Tragically, what is simply intended to be a great celebration in honor of Independence Day can instead result in devastating injuries that last long beyond when the festivities end. Even understanding the risks of the day and undertaking measures to avoid them cannot stop every accident from occurring, especially when someone else’s negligence is involved. But importantly, you have every right to hold a person responsible for his or her negligent actions when they have led to you being injured. An experienced personal injury attorney can examine the circumstances of your injury and advise you on the best way to proceed with pursuing the compensation that you deserve. The Orlando personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm offer the legal help you need to be successful with your claim. Reach out to us for help today.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Jacksonville, Tampa, Bradenton, Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale and Daytona Beach areas.
