4 Costly Claims to Steer Clear of this 4th of July

Independence day is for celebrating the anniversary of our nation's history and independence. The 4th of July can be an exciting day of the year to celebrate with family and friends. Many Americans will have time off of work, get on the grill, host parties and of course, fireworks.

A recent report by AAA claims that over 37 million Americans are expected to travel by vehicle this 4th. Many people are also taking advantage of the mid-week holiday, and taking extra days off to make it a longer vacation.
But sad to say, the 4th of July is one of the nation's most dangerous days and people should observe some caution. There are a handful of frequent claims that happen on the 4th of July; some of these disasters are obvious, but some will come as a surprise.

Cooking Fires

As reported in a recent article by U.S. Fire Administration, cooking fires are the number one cause of building fires. If you plan on grilling outdoors, take the following precautions to ensure a safe bbq:

• Keep the grill far from your home or other structures.
• Frequently empty your grill’s grease trap.
• Never leave a fire burning unattended.
• Keep an eye out at ALL TIMES.

Car Accidents

The majority of holidays come with a higher risk of automobile related accidents, and the 4th of July is no different. More drivers on the road, added with a greater probability of drinking and driving, may equal unfortunate accidents. It is usually the safe drivers who are injured or killed in drunk driving accidents. Did you know that your party guests can hold a homeowner responsible for car accidents that occur as a result driving while intoxicated? To help ensure safe holiday travels, Insured ASAP has some suggestions to those who plan on getting behind the wheel:

• Keep a close eye on guests who may have had a few too many drinks.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Avoid using your cell phone while driving.
• Ensure you and your passengers are buckled up.

Fireworks Injuries

Fireworks laws vary from state to state but no matter where you are they are equally as dangerous. Each year, fireworks send thousands of children to emergency rooms. Leave the fireworks display to a professional and avoid having them near your property. Because fireworks are tough to resist, some obvious but necessary precautions MUST be taken. These include:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of accidental fire.
• Never carry fireworks on your person or shoot them off in containers.

Boating Accidents

Over the course of the year there are about 8,000 boating accidents that take place in United States waters. Since the weather around the 4th of July is typically perfect boating weather, many areas see an spike in boating accidents in the days surrounding our nation’s independence day. If you plan on boating this 4th of July, take the following steps to stay safe:

• Avoid alcohol while operating a boat.
• Keep children and other guests well informed about standard boat safety.
• Ensure you and your guests are wearing life jackets.
• Check your boat to ensure it is properly equipped and functioning properly.

Insured ASAP wishes everyone a wonderful and safe 4th of July celebration. Contact us for any questions regarding your auto, home or business insurance.