Stay Summer Safe on the 4th of July

The 4th of July is full of outdoor festivities such as barbecuing, going for a swim and watching fireworks. The City of Phoenix wants to make sure you are staying safe while enjoying the holiday.  

Here are some tips to stay safe in the heat this 4th of July weekend.  

Fireworks Safety

• Instead of using fireworks at home, attend the Light Up the Sky Event on July 3 or the Fabulous 4th firework events hosted by the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department.  
• If you are going to use fireworks at home, use legal fireworks. All fireworks that shoot into the air, including bottle rockets, roman candles and mortar fireworks, are illegal in Phoenix.
• After using legal fireworks, please dispose of them properly by soaking them in a bucket of water for 24 hours before throwing them away.  

Water Safety

• Make sure to keep an eye on all parties, especially kids and pets using the pool.  
• Do not leave kids or pets unattended around water.  

Hydration  

• While outdoors drink eight ounces of water every 15-20 minutes.  
• Drinking alcohol in the heat is not recommended, if consuming, make sure to drink water.  
• Carry chilled water while traveling to 4th of July events. Take more water than you and your immediate group expect to use to be prepared for unexpected circumstances and to help others who may be in need.  

Additional Safety Tips

• Always check the entire car, especially the back seats and tailgate areas for kids. and pets when leaving cars. Vehicle temperatures can become deadly in a matter of minutes.  
• Make sure to use SPF 30+ sunscreen and reapply every two hours.
• Wear light-colored loose-fitted clothing while outdoors.  
• Familiarize yourself with signs and symptoms of heat-related illness and make sure to act fast if someone is experiencing symptoms.  
• Regularly check on loved ones and neighbors who are heat sensitive.  
• Be aware of mosquito prevention efforts and make sure to use insect repellant when outdoors and empty out standing water where mosquitos can breed.  
• If you are in need of a cool indoor space, visit a heat relief site. Some extended-hour and overnight locations will have special hours on July 4. The 20 W. Jackson St. Respite Center will remain open 24/7. Harmon, Cholla, and Yucca libraries will be open from noon-10 p.m. A full list of heat relief sites are available at hrn.azmag.gov.  

Stay safe Phoenix and stay cool during the 4th of July. For more summer safety tips, visit Phoenix.gov/Summer.