Your Annual 4th of July Survival Guide [4th Of July]

Your Annual 4th of July Survival Guide Happy Birthday America! (and Happy Wednesday to everyone else!) Before you head out for your 4th of July plans, whether that involves firing up the grill, camping out, or lighting off pretty-exploding powder kegs, let us help you stay safe, beat the heat and the crowds, and have more fun. Let's get started.

This year the 4th of July falls right in the middle of the week, so you have a mere 24 hours to kick back and/or make the absolute most of your mid-week holiday. With a time crunch like that, we can understand how it might seem hopeless, but never fear: Lifehacker is here! Here are some tips to help you dive in headfirst and come out the other side of the holiday intact.

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Beat the Heat and Stay Comfortable

I don't know where you are, but it's hot here in the USA, so if you're planning on leaving the air conditioning, try to stay cool, drink lots of fluids, and keep your core temperature down. The last thing you want to do on your day off is suffer heat exhaustion and have to go to work on Thursday. Here's your basic checklist to make sure you don't pass out while standing in line at the grill, or waiting for the big finish at the fireworks display:

Stay Hydrated: Seriously. Drink plenty of water. Take a water bottle with you and keep it filled. The effects of dehydration can sneak up on you, so head them off early. Check with your local government to see if they have cooling or hydration stations near the fireworks, and if you're going out into the backyard, grab a bottle like the Klean Kanteen or a collapsable, portable pack like the Platypus, fill it up, and then head out. Don't like water? It's not hard to learn to love it, but if you must, grab some iced tea or something else water-based.
Wear sunscreen: Sunscreen can be a tricky topic, so this infographic boils it down for you. Bottom line? Apply everywhere, re-apply often, and make sure you buy a good one. Oh, and stay in the shade if you can.
Keep the Bugs away: They're a fact of life, but that doesn't mean bugs have to bring you down. Our top to bottom guide to avoiding stings, bites, and other bug-related nuisances is still the definitive tome for anyone looking for an itch or sting-free summer. Not into bug spray? No problem, we have some tips to help you get rid of the problem before it starts and make your own repellants.
Watch Out for Others: One of the best things you can do in this hot weather is keep an eye out for the people around you. Elders, neighbors—keep them in the back of your mind and check up on them if you don't hear from them or see them regularly, just to make sure they're okay. Don't forget your pets, either—you can make an ice lick so they enjoy the outdoors too, but remember: they have fewer ways of dissapating heat than you do. If you think it's hot out, they definitely do.

If you do get a little hot out there, remember your body's quick cooling spots. Apply a little ice or some cold water, and you'll cool off in a flash. Here are some other ways to beat the heat:

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Master the Fireworks Display

Here in DC, thousands will descend on the National Mall to watch the fireworks display over the Washington Monument, and people will pack themselves in shoulder to shoulder on the mall, sitting in camp chairs and sprawled out on blankets to watch the show. It's likely the same in your community—parks and parking lots covered in blankets and people looking to get the best view. That doesn't mean you have to be uncomfortable though! You can still have a good time.

Head Out Early: Obviously, the first way to beat the crowds is to head out long before anyone else would. Make a day-trip of it, and head to your local park armed with picnic baskets of food, comfy camp chairs, blankets, and lots of ice cold drinks in your cooler. Pack to last the afternoon, and beat the pack.
Pick the Right Location: Depending on where you are, there could be several fireworks displays fairly close to each other. Check with your local news affiliate, they're usually the ones who collect and post all of the nearby displays on their web sites, and see which ones are nearby. Then take that information over to Google Maps and check out the location before you head out. That way you can see where there's parking, how big the lots or parks are, and even if there's somewhere better nearby to watch the show without dealing with the crowd.
Make Your Own Fireworks: First, make sure fireworks are legal in your state before you do anything else. Then read the instructions. Seriously, there's nothing wrong with a few fireworks in your backyard as long as it's done safely and legally. If that limits you to sparkers, so be it, but a few bottle rockets and some sparklers in your backyard or a nearby open field can save you time and hassle. Bonus: you can bring your own food, and there's no competition for a good spot.
Stay Home: It may not be as much fun as being out and hearing the thundering sounds and seeing the bright lights, but considering the heat, the crowds, and the fuss, you might want to just stay home and watch the spectacle on television. We wouldn't blame you.

If you do go out though, don't forget to take pictures! It's not too hard to get good photos of fireworks, even if the only phone you have is the one on the back of your phone. Here's how:

Taking Great Fireworks Photos on Your Android or iPhone

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Master Your Grill and Dish Out Deliciousness

Fireworks and outdoor activities are great, but if the 4th of July translates to you as a great excuse to fire up the grill and serve all of your friends and family some tasty grilled meats and veggies, we're right there with you (seriously, we're coming over.) Hopefully it's not the first time you've lit the grill this summer, but even if it is, here's how you—and your guests—can walk away full and happy.

Prep The Grill: Make sure your charcoal is laid out for optimal heat, or that you've made a fresh batch of your own, if that's how you roll. If you have a gas grill, you might want to run out and grab some lava rocks so you get the most meat-searing power from your burners. If you're super serious about backyard feasting, you can even make your own fire pit or tandoor oven, but we only have a day for the 4th, so hang on to those for the weekend. Once your grill is all set up though, make sure you know where to put your food for optimal cooking.
Assemble Your Tools: You don't want to hit the grill unarmed, do you? Grab your favorite tongs, serving dishes, and other grilling goodies and head outside. If you're looking for some upgrades, Grill Clips keep your veggies close together on the grill, and the Stake just might replace all of your other tools. Oh, and don't forget your muffin tin! Headed out? this grill can go with you. If you're doing it up indoors with a grill pan, make sure to open the windows, lube up your grill pan. Either way, brew some coffee: clean up will be a snap.
Prep Your Food: Before you just toss your grocery store haul—you know, the one you so carefully selected—on the heat, make sure to add some flavor! A little salt and pepper goes a long way (and more goes even further), and if you're ready to step up to marinades, be our guest. We've shown you the chemisty behind marinades, now it's time to put it to good use. Grilling some sausages or brats? Consider poaching them on the grill instead of dropping them right on, and if you're making burgers, make your own and do your guests a favor. We have some tips to help you grill the perfect burger, too.
Grill Like a Pro: Ready to get cooking? our guide to becoming a grill master will walk you through barbeque perfection from start to finish, whether you're using gas or charcoal. We promise, you won't be disappointed if you follow along.