Pa. Hospitals Urge Safety during July 4 Holiday Weekend

July 03, 2024

Ahead of the July 4 holiday, HAP and Pennsylvania’s hospital community encourage everyone to prioritize safe practices for a happy, healthy holiday weekend.

This week, the Shapiro administration outlined the ways you and your family can be safe over the holiday.

“I’m pleased to join my colleagues to encourage Pennsylvanians to keep safety at the forefront this holiday weekend and all summer long,” said Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll. “Whether your plans this summer include hiking, biking, boating, or a backyard barbecue, the department urges motorists to always plan ahead and designate a sober driver or arrange for alternate transportation. Never drive impaired!”

Among the key takeaways for your July 4 safety:

• Fireworks:  During 2022, there were 10,000 fireworks-related emergency room visits, Deputy State Fire Commissioner John “J.C.” Tedorski said in a statement. Fireworks started 19,500 fires and caused over $100 million in property damage, he noted.
• Safe driving:  A record number of travelers are expected to be on the road over the holiday. This weekend, the Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement will conduct checkpoints and roving patrols as part of the Fourth of July Impaired Driving Campaign.
• Boating:  Driving safe isn’t only about the road. The Fish and Boat Commission noted there were 39 boating-under-the-influence arrests during 2023.
  • “When an impaired boat operator gets behind the wheel to drive home, a boating-under-the-influence becomes a driving-under-the-influence,” state officials noted.
• Heat and sun safety:  Be sure to monitor your time outside during the warmer weather. Also choose “broad-spectrum” sunscreens with ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B protection and have a sun protection factor of at least 30.

“Many Pennsylvanians spend a lot of time outdoors for Fourth of July celebrations; wearing sunscreen helps protect skin from harmful ultraviolet rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and skin cancer,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen.

Additional information is available online.