Safety During 4th of July Holidays and All Summer Long

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Photo courtesy of Pixabay

A ring float bobs in a swimming pool.

Preparing for the unexpected as a homeowner is essential. According to Hippo’s annual Housepower Report, 76% of U.S. homeowners reported that at least one home-related issue impacted their financial stability in 2025. Make sure that you have the proper insurance in place to protect you financially when the unexpected occurs, whether extreme weather hits or an accident occurs on your property this summer.

It’s also important to stay up on proactive maintenance to remove any potential hazards before entertaining. Here are some common summer hazards to avoid:

Fireworks: The biggest hazard on the Fourth of July isn’t a barbecue burn — it’s a firework-related accident, fire, or injury. Common injuries from fireworks include burns to the hands, fingers, arms, and legs; head, face, and ear trauma; and contusions, lacerations, fractures, and sprains. Lighting fireworks and sparklers at home without proper training and supervision is extremely dangerous. 

The best way to prevent firework-related injuries and accidents is to steer clear of home firework displays. Without the right knowledge or training on how to safely use fireworks, you’re putting yourself — and the people around you — at considerable risk. Unless you’re experienced with firework usage, skip the home fireworks shows and check out a professional display instead.

But if you decide to dabble in firework usage, here are some critical firework safety tips to keep in mind this Fourth of July (and all year long):

• Purchase legal fireworks - Make sure you’re only purchasing legal fireworks. These have a label with the manufacturer’s name and instructions for use. Illegal fireworks aren’t designed for consumer use because they’re dangerous to handle. Plus, depending on the state you live in, purchasing or selling prohibited fireworks is a crime. Check out your state’s firework laws to see what your options are.
• Never let children handle fireworks - Keep fireworks — whether lit or unlit — away from children and adolescents. Even seemingly safe options like sparklers still burn at 2,000 degrees, and can cause unnecessary accidents and burns in the hands of minors. If teenagers or young adults want to use sparklers or help light other legal fireworks, make sure you educate them beforehand on firework safety and monitor them closely during the activity.
• Practice smart firework safety - There are a number of steps you should take before, during, and after using fireworks to ensure everyone’s safety. It’s also crucial to educate everyone who wants to participate in the firework display about proper firework safety rules.

                    Before using fireworks

·       Store fireworks in a non-flammable container (like a plastic storage box) in a cool, dry place (like a basement).

·       Don’t store fireworks near a heat source; things like water tanks can put off a lot of heat and accidentally ignite a firework.

·       Check to make sure your fireworks haven’t been dampened in storage. Moisture can break down fireworks and make them unsafe for use.

·       Store fireworks somewhere children, adolescents, and pets can’t access them.

When using fireworks

·       Never light fireworks indoors.

·       Never ignite a firework in a container.

·       Never hold a lit firework.

·       Never use fireworks when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

·       Bring pets indoors and contain them in a safe area, like a crate or closed bedroom, so they’re not scared by the fireworks.

·       Read the manufacturer’s instructions for each firework before lighting it, and follow instructions when igniting.

·       Only use fireworks outside, at least 15 feet away from people, houses, and any flammable items.

·       Wear protective eyewear when lighting fireworks.

·       Keep a bucket of water nearby to extinguish fireworks or put out any fires.

·       Only light one firework at a time, then stand at least 15 feet away from the firework while it lights up.

·       Only approach a lit firework once it has died out (wait at least one minute each time to be safe).

·       Never re-light fireworks or try to handle malfunctioning fireworks.

After using fireworks

·       Soak any spent and unused fireworks in a bucket of water for three hours before discarding them in the trash.

·       Check the area for any sparks or remnants of fire that need putting out.

·       Pick up any firework trash and debris to prevent kids or animals from consuming it.

Grills: Grills, the most popular backyard amenity among surveyed homeowners, are often used casually and frequently. This can lead to overlooking safety planning, but failing to take proper precautions can result in serious grilling accidents.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, grills cause an average of $37 million in property damage annually. That’s on top of the 21,682 people these accidents send to the emergency room every year. 

The good news? Simple steps like checking gas lines seasonally, posting usage rules near shared spaces, and keeping a fire extinguisher nearby could drastically lower related risks

Grill safety checklist:

• Store a fire extinguisher close by the grill, so it’s readily available in an emergency.
• Inspect gas connections and hoses before each grilling season.
• Clean grease traps and drip pans regularly to prevent flare-ups.
• Position grills at least 10 feet from structures, overhanging branches, and deck railings.
• Never leave a lit grill unattended.
• Post basic safety rules in visible areas for guests and family members.
• Set up the grill and propane tanks upright, away from other heat sources, and on a flat surface.
• Check local fire restrictions during dry seasons.

Fire pits: Fire pits were the second most commonly owned outdoor amenity. These popular gathering spots come with obvious fire risks, especially during dry conditions or when used near children, pets, or flammable materials. 

Simple emergency preparedness steps could go a long way in protecting homes from potentially devastating fire damage.

Fire pit safety checklist:

• Install spark screens or guards to contain embers.
• Keep a fire extinguisher, a reliable water source, or sandbags within reach.
• Keep flammable materials at least 10 feet away from the fire pit.
• Check local burn bans and fire restrictions before use.
• Never leave fires unattended, even for short periods.
• Fully extinguish fires before going indoors or to bed.
• Establish clear rules for children and pets around open flames.
• Install proper drainage to help prevent water accumulation in permanent pits.

Decks: Decks are the third most common backyard feature. While they may seem like low-risk additions, structural wear, loose boards, and poor railing installation can lead to preventable injuries. Homeowners should conduct more frequent inspections for aging decks or those installed as DIY projects.

A seasonal walkthrough and minor reinforcement (like tightening railings or replacing warped boards) can extend the life of a deck and help ensure it remains a safe space for gatherings, relaxation, or play.

Deck safety checklist:

• Inspect stair railings and guardrails for stability and proper height. That is roughly 34–38 inches for stair railings and 42 inches for deck guardrails.
• Check for loose or warped boards.
• Examine support posts and joists for signs of rot or insect damage.
• Ensure stair handrails are secure and balusters are properly spaced.
• Clear debris from between deck boards to prevent moisture buildup.
• Test deck lighting and replace burnt-out bulbs.
• Schedule professional inspections for decks over 10 years old.

Trampolines: From 2009 to 2018, over 800,000 children in the U.S. sustained trampoline injuries, with the majority being under 16 years old. 

Trampolines are closely tied to injury risk and liability concerns. By participating in trampoline safety habits, homeowners can enjoy these amenities with greater peace of mind. 

Trampoline safety checklist:

• Install safety nets and padding on all springs and frame edges.
• Anchor trampolines securely to prevent movement in high winds.
• Position trampolines away from structures, trees, and other hazards.
• Inspect nets, springs, and the jumping surface regularly for wear.
• Supervise children during use.
• Remove ladders when not in use to prevent unsupervised access.
• Post safety rules visibly near the trampoline.

Pools: The American Red Cross reports drowning as a primary cause of death among U.S. children aged 1–4 years. For children between 5 and 14 years old, it is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death. Tragically, the majority of these deaths occur in pools owned by family, friends, or relatives. 

Pools are closely tied to injury risk and liability concerns. By participating in pool safety habits, homeowners can enjoy these amenities with greater peace of mind. 

Pool safety checklist:

• Install and maintain proper fencing (minimum 4 feet high) with self-closing, self-latching gates.
• Use pool covers with safety locks when not in use.
• Keep rescue equipment (reaching pole, life ring) poolside.
• Install proper lighting for evening use.
• Maintain clear sight lines to the pool from the house.
• Post pool rules and emergency contact information.
• Keep first aid supplies and emergency phone numbers accessible.
• Regularly test and maintain pool alarms.
• Schedule annual professional inspections of pool equipment and safety features.
• Ensure all family members and frequent guests know basic water safety.

Check Your Liability Insurance: 

The first step is ensuring your guests safety and recovery. Then liability insurance comes in as a financial safety net. 

Homeowners liability insurance will financially cover you and the members of your household against someone else’s eligible medical bills, legal expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. This coverage activates if a person gets injured on your property or if you cause injury or property damage to someone else. 

With liability insurance, personal injury coverage can extend to anything you’re deemed responsible for, such as someone slipping and falling on a wet walkway, or even food poisoning or damage to someone else’s property or belongings.  

Most common homeowners policies, like HO-3 insurance, do include a certain level of personal liabilities insurance protection, though you may still want to purchase additional coverage for even greater peace of mind. Especially if you have things like a swimming pool, trampoline, or dog on your property that increase the risk of accidents.

To determine how much personal liability coverage you need, you should consider the value of your assets. If you have assets that could be taken in a lawsuit—such as a second or vacation home, personal checking or savings accounts, investments, and the like—you might want to increase your coverage limits.

Another consideration is your risk factors. How often do you have guests over, and what are their average ages? Do you have home features that might cause injuries, such as a pool, trampoline, or stairs? It might be a good idea to expand your coverage amounts to prevent you from paying too much out of pocket should an accident occur.

 Personal Liability vs Medical Payments Coverage: 

• Personal liability (Coverage E) covers financial loss if you're liable for someone else's injuries or property damage. This comes in handy if you or anyone in your household injures someone else or damages their property and is found liable. This homeowners coverage can help with the costs if they decide to sue. It can pay for court fees, hospital bills, court awards, pain and suffering, property damage and anything else you’re responsible for.
• Medical payments (Coverage F) covers minor medical expenses if a guest is injured on your property. For example, if your mother is visiting and accidentally slips down your stairs and breaks her ankle, she may not have any plans to sue you because it wasn’t your fault. However, you may still want to help with her medical bills. In this case, you could use Coverage F to help her pay for X-rays, doctor visits, and medications up to your policy's limit.

This article was written by Courtney Klosterman, home insights expert at Hippo Insurance.