Celebrate 250 Years of America — Safely
As the nation gathers this summer for the greatest birthday celebration in American history, public health expert Peter DeLucia offers essential guidance so the fun never stops.
By Peter DeLucia, MPA · RR Environmental Health Consultant · Former Assistant Commissioner, Westchester County Dept. of Health ★ As featured on The Dr. Oz Show · Today Show · Rachel Ray · Inside Edition ★
🏆Peter DeLucia served for 31 years at the Westchester County Department of Health, retiring as Assistant Commissioner for Public Health Protection. A nationally recognized food safety authority, he was one of the public health experts regularly featured on The Dr. Oz Show — appearing in multiple segments including the iconic “Would Your Kitchen Pass Inspection?” — and has also appeared on the Today Show, Rachel Ray, Inside Edition, and The Daily Mail.
America turns 250 this summer — and that calls for the biggest, most joyful celebration this country has ever seen. Backyard barbecues, fireworks, pool parties, beach trips, and family hikes are all on the menu. But with great celebration comes great responsibility. As someone who has spent more than three decades protecting public health — and years advising national TV audiences on exactly these topics — I can tell you: a few simple precautions are all it takes to keep your family safe all season long. So fire up the grill, slather on the sunscreen, and let’s celebrate — smartly.
Food Safety at the Backyard BBQ
Fourth of July grilling is as American as it gets. But every summer, foodborne illness sends thousands of people home from cookouts with something far worse than a food coma. The CDC estimates 48 million Americans — one in six — contract a foodborne illness each year. The good news: these illnesses are almost entirely preventable.
“Having clean hands is the number-one most important thing when it comes to food safety. Thoroughly wash with hot, soapy water before, during, and after food handling. If your thumb touches raw chicken juice, it can contaminate the next surface or food that you touch.”
— Peter DeLucia, as featured on The Dr. Oz Show
- Tip 01
Keep raw and cooked foods completely separate
Use different plates, cutting boards, and utensils for raw meat and ready-to-serve food. Cross-contamination is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness at cookouts. - Tip 02
Always use a meat thermometer
Never press or poke meat to “check” doneness. Cook poultry to 165°F, ground beef to 160°F, steak to 140°F, and pork to 150°F. Insert at least an inch into the thickest part and hold 10–15 seconds. - Tip 03
Boil or discard your marinade
Marinade that touched raw meat can harbor salmonella or E. coli. Bring it to a full boil before reusing as a basting sauce — or set some aside before the meat goes in. - Tip 04
Keep the cooler drain plug open
Melt water in a cooler becomes contaminated with raw food bacteria. Keep the drain open so that liquid exits — you don’t want your food swimming in that bacterial soup. - Tip 05
Sanitize surfaces properly
Wiping with a damp cloth just moves germs around. Mix one teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water, wipe surfaces, and let air dry — the same standard required in licensed restaurants. - Tip 06
Two hours is your limit — one hour in the heat
Don’t leave food sitting out for more than two hours, or one hour when it’s above 90°F. When in doubt, throw it out. Do you really need the leftovers?
⚠️Watch your grill brush. The CDC has documented injuries from wire grill brush bristles — from throat perforations to GI damage. Inspect your brush before every use and replace it if bristles are loose or worn. Make sure grilling surfaces are clean and debris-free before every cookout.
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Fireworks Safety
Nothing says America’s birthday quite like fireworks lighting up the night sky. But fireworks — including consumer sparklers and backyard devices — cause thousands of serious injuries every year. The safest fireworks show is one that professionals put on. If you’re attending or hosting your own, know the risks and follow these rules.
“The best way to enjoy fireworks is to leave the launching to the professionals and focus on what you came for — the show, the family, and the celebration. No backyard display is worth a trip to the emergency room.”
— Peter DeLucia, MPA
🔥Sparklers burn at over 1,800°F — hot enough to melt gold — and are responsible for a significant share of fireworks injuries, especially in young children. Never hand a sparkler to a child under 12 without direct adult supervision.
- Tip 01
Attend a professional public display
The single safest choice is to watch a professionally staged show. Your town’s America 250 celebration is the place to be this Fourth of July. - Tip 02
Never allow children to handle fireworks unsupervised
Even sparklers, poppers, and snakes pose serious burn and eye injury risks. Designate one responsible adult to handle consumer fireworks and keep children at a safe distance at all times. - Tip 03
Keep a water source close by
Have a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby before lighting anything. Douse all spent fireworks and sparklers in water before disposing — they can reignite and start fires in trash cans. - Tip 04
Never relight a dud
If a firework fails to ignite, do not attempt to relight it. Wait at least 20 minutes, then soak it thoroughly in water before approaching and disposing of it. - Tip 05
Point fireworks away from people and structures
Always launch on a flat, hard surface — away from dry grass, trees, buildings, and overhead wires. Never hold a lit firework in your hand or aim it at another person. - Tip 06
Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix
Impaired judgment around explosive devices is a recipe for disaster. Keep the person handling fireworks completely sober — without exception. Save the drinks for after the show. - Tip 07
Check local laws before purchasing
Many municipalities restrict or ban consumer fireworks entirely. Know your local ordinances — fines can be steep, and illegal fireworks are often more dangerous than regulated products. - Tip 08
Protect your pets
Fireworks are one of the leading causes of lost pets each year. Keep animals indoors in a quiet, secure room. Make sure ID tags and microchips are current — the 4th of July is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters.
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Swimming Safety
Summer and water go hand in hand — whether you’re at the beach, a community pool, or a backyard inflatable. Drowning is preventable, and awareness is your most powerful lifejacket.
“A lifeguard is not your babysitter. Always keep an eye on children when they are in or near the water — never leave them unattended, even for a moment.”
— Peter DeLucia
- Tip 01
Never swim alone
Swim only where and when lifeguards are on duty. Never rely on a lifeguard as a substitute for your own supervision of children. - Tip 02
Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets
Especially for young children and inexperienced swimmers. Make sure the jacket fits properly — and never use it as a substitute for active supervision. - Tip 03
Skip the alcohol around water
Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time. Save the celebratory toast for dry land, especially when children are nearby. - Tip 04
Understand rip currents
At ocean beaches, rip currents pull swimmers away from shore fast. If caught: stay calm, swim parallel to shore, float or tread water, and signal for help. Never fight the current directly. - Tip 05
Exit immediately when thunder strikes
When you hear thunder, get out of the water immediately. Lightning can strike well before a storm arrives. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning. - Tip 06
Stay hydrated even in the water
Swimming in the sun is physical exercise. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your swim to prevent heat-related illness — especially on hot July days.
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Tick & Mosquito Protection
America’s 250th summer means more people in parks, on trails, and in backyards where ticks and mosquitoes thrive. Lyme disease and West Nile virus are real concerns — but they don’t have to ruin your summer.
“You may get a ticket from the fashion police for tucking your pants into your socks, but it will keep ticks off your skin and where you can easily see them if they hitch a ride on you.”
— Peter DeLucia
- Tip 01
Dress defensively on the trail
Wear long pants tucked into light-colored socks, a tucked-in long-sleeve shirt, and closed shoes. Light colors make ticks easier to spot. Ticks don’t jump — they grab onto whatever brushes against them. - Tip 02
Use repellent with 20–30% DEET
Apply to exposed skin and clothing. For clothes and gear, use products containing 0.5% permethrin — it remains protective through several washings. Apply sunscreen first, repellent second. Wash both off before bedtime. - Tip 03
Do a full tick check after every outing
Check under arms, behind knees, around the waist, in and around hair, behind ears, inside the belly button, and between the legs. Do this for children and pets every time. - Tip 04
Shower and wash clothes immediately
Shower after outdoor activity. Wash hiking clothes in hot water and dry on high heat for at least 10 minutes. Don’t toss them on your bed or in the hamper first. - Tip 05
Remove ticks correctly
Use fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk. If attached less than 24 hours, Lyme transmission risk is very low — but act promptly. - Tip 06
Eliminate mosquito breeding in your yard
Dump standing water from pails, wheelbarrows, gutters, and birdbaths — mosquitoes go from larvae to biting adults in just 10 days. Add mosquito dunks to birdbaths and change water weekly.
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Sun Safety
Between parades, outdoor concerts, and long afternoons at the beach, this is going to be a summer spent under the sun. Protecting yourself from UV exposure is simple — if you plan ahead.
- Tip 01
SPF 30 or higher, every time
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen before going outside. Reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating. Sunscreen is not recommended for infants under 6 months — consult your pediatrician and prioritize shade. - Tip 02
Apply before dressing kids
Put sunscreen on children before their clothes or bathing suits go on — that way you won’t miss ears, the back of the neck, or the tops of feet, which are among the most commonly missed and burned spots. - Tip 03
Seek shade from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
UV radiation peaks during these hours. Plan morning or evening outdoor time and find shade for rest breaks at midday celebrations and parade events. - Tip 04
Dress for UV protection
Wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, and lightweight long sleeves offer meaningful protection — especially for children and fair-skinned individuals who burn quickly. - Tip 05
Hydrate consistently all day
Heat-related illness sneaks up on you. Drink water throughout the day — don’t wait until you’re thirsty. In heavy heat, consider electrolyte drinks as well. - Tip 06
Check the UV index before heading out
Your weather app shows the UV index — anything above 3 calls for protection. At 8 or higher, take every precaution regardless of whether it feels hot.
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Have a Safe and Spectacular America 250 Summer
Whether you’re grilling, swimming, watching fireworks, or hiking a trail, the same spirit that built this nation — preparedness, community, and care for one another — will keep your family safe all summer long.
