4th Of July Claims Underwriters Fear Most

Every year we gather ’round for fireworks and fun, but did you know the 4th of July is considered one of the most dangerous holidays in the United States?

“What we don’t always realize is that the 4th of July has people gathering together for good times and drinking. It’s summertime and they want to be on the water, which gets us into boating accidents,” said Coleman Brown, vice president, loss control, CBIZ Insurance Services.

“Now combine that with fireworks [and their risks]. Plus there is eating, and food safety becomes a big part. It’s hot, so people need to hydrate to avoid dehydration. It’s a lot of risks for one day.” We ooh and aah each 4th of July as fireworks light up the night sky. But, the truth is, fireworks are scary things.

People can be killed or injured by these explosives. Burns are most common, while injuring and even losing a hand to premature explosions are a close second. Loud bangs can damage human ears, and pets can find their way to the vet each July 5th with ruptured eardrums.

“People are not used to handling fireworks. They don’t take the time to support a firework with a sand base,” said Brown. He added that about 8,000 to 9,000 individuals each year need some sort of ER treatment for firework-related injuries.