YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — You know about fireworks and intoxicated driving — and you should, because those are, after all, causes of Independence Day celebration fatalities every year.

But sparklers ?

Yes, if you’re not careful, said John “J.C.” Tedorski, Pennsylvania’s deputy state fire commissioner.

“The tip of that sparkler — the temperature reaches the same temperature as a blowtorch,” Tedorski said, adding sparklers are the No. 2 cause of consumer-grade fireworks-related visits to emergency room.

Highlighting the diversity of accidents that happen each July 4, Tedorski was among leaders from seven different agencies who spoke Thursday at Codorus State Park, giving tips exactly a week before the holiday.

Other key tips:

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Don’t drive intoxicated, of course — or “don’t lose your independence on independence day,” as PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said, referring to what happens to the license of a someone called driving while intoxicated. But also:

• Don’t speed — and avoid unsafe passing and tailgating, which Lt. Adam Reed of Pennsylvania State Police said are top causes of accidents.
• Practice the “buddy system” when doing anything outside — at least two and ideally three adults on any excursion so if anyone is in trouble, one person can run for help and another can stay with the person who is struggling.
• Life jackets in a boat are just as important as seatbelts in a car — four out of five people who die in boating accidents weren’t wearing life jackets, said Rachael Thurner-Diaz, waterways conservation officer with Pennsylvania’s Fish & Boat Commission.
• Drink plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty because by time you do, it can be too late.

“Heat-related illness can sneak up on you quicker than most people realize,” said Wendy Braund, deputy secretary for health preparedness and community protection with Pennsylvania’s Department of Health.

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