There are few things worse than a holiday bash ending in a trip to the hospital. Summertime injuries are frequent, as people are outside enjoying the weather. Many common injuries can be prevented, however.

Take heat stroke. Often, people not in the deliberate habit of hydrating might find themselves feeling a bit woozie and weak after they’ve been outside for a period of time on a hot day. Every year, there are 400 deaths in the U.S. due to heat-related causes, but they are preventable. Young children and elderly people are the most at risk. Preventing heat stroke is a matter of drinking plenty of water, or sports drinks, avoiding alcohol and soda while baking in the sun and staying in well-ventilated areas.

Next is food safety. Picnics and Fourth of July parties are the norm in the U.S., but leaving food out too long can make for an unhappy ending to the party. Foods should be cooked to the proper temperature but shouldn’t be left out all day long. At most, food should only be left out for two hours—after the meal, put it away. It can always be pulled out again for a snack later.

When it’s warm, local residents head to the beach — especially this weekend. Considering there’s a low pressure system forming off the East Coast, everyone should be aware of the effects of such storm systems: big waves and strong currents. A rip tide pulling an unsuspecting swimmer out beyond the waves can be a very scary thing. People being scared leads to panic and panic can lead a person to wearing themselves out trying to get back to shore the same way they got out. As counterintuitive as it may seem, swimming across the rip current, parallel to the shore, is the way to go. Sometimes it’s only a matter of feet that separates an outward bound swimmer caught in a strong current from more placid waters. Once out, that’s when a swimmer can head back into shore, this time with water moving with them instead of against them. Remember, a red flag flying on the beach means swimming is prohibited. Don’t go in. There’s a reason it’s up.

Every child loves playing with fireworks on the Fourth of July. There are some obvious safety pointers here: don’t hold fireworks while lighting them; both hair and loose clothing should be confined; don’t throw them at anyone; have a hose or other water source handy. But what about disposal? Beyond picking up what’s left of the explosions, fireworks debris should be soaked in water before it’s placed in a metal trashcan. This could, potentially, save a garage or house from burning down on the biggest holiday of the summer.

Lastly, kicking back and having a few adult beverages goes hand in hand with summer holidays for most folks. If that’s the case, make sure no driving’s being done by those doing the drinking. Make a plan. It could save a life.

There are many things to watch out for over the Fourth of July weekend, but being proactive can only lead to a safe, and happy, holiday.