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Fourth of July safety tips from
Memorial Health
[June 30, 2026]
As families across central
Illinois prepare to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks,
cookouts and time on the water, Decatur Memorial Hospital chief
medical officer Brandon Koser, DO, is encouraging residents to make
safety a priority.
Koser, who also practices in the Emergency Department, said Memorial
Health emergency teams routinely treat preventable injuries during
the Fourth of July holiday. Many of those injuries involve
fireworks, burns, water-related accidents and heat-related illness.
"We see fireworks injuries every year around the Fourth of July, and
many people underestimate the risks," Koser said. "Sparklers may
seem harmless, but they can reach temperatures of around 2,000
degrees, which is hot enough to cause serious burns in seconds."
Koser recommends using fireworks only outdoors, keeping them away
from people and structures, closely supervising children and never
attempting to relight fireworks that fail to ignite.
Backyard grilling and fire pits also contribute to holiday injuries.
Koser advises keeping grills in stable, open areas, avoiding the use
of accelerants on active flames and ensuring children understand
that surfaces may remain hot long after a fire is extinguished.
Water safety is another major concern during holiday gatherings.
"One of the most common situations we encounter is when everyone
assumes someone else is watching the water," Koser said. "It only
takes a few seconds for a child or an adult who cannot swim to get
into trouble."
Koser recommends designating a specific adult to actively supervise
swimmers, minimizing distractions, using life jackets on open water
and avoiding alcohol when swimming or boating.
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Summer heat can
also create dangerous conditions. Koser encourages people to
stay hydrated throughout the day and watch for symptoms of
heat-related illness, including dizziness, nausea, heavy
sweating, fatigue and headaches.
While prevention is the best strategy, Koser said it is
important to seek medical attention when serious injuries occur.
Residents should seek emergency care for burns that blister or
affect the face, hands or joints, any eye injury caused by
fireworks, signs of drowning or breathing difficulties after
water exposure, and severe symptoms of heat illness.
"Our emergency teams are always ready no matter what the
situation," Koser said. "But we would rather see people enjoying
the holiday than needing our care. A little advanced planning
can help keep celebrations safe and enjoyable for everyone."
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