The 4th of July is a magical holiday; adults and children alike gather to enjoy the explosion of colors that rock the night sky. Though it is a night of wonder, it is also a celebration fraught with potential danger. Here are 6 tips to enjoy a safe 4th of July with your family.
- Leave the big fireworks displays to the experts. There is a reason that fireworks are banned in some states, and that is because they often result in injuries or fatalities. If you do decide to put on your own display, follow all recommended safety precautions.
- Do not let kids play with fireworks. Sparklers usually come to mind as a fun, safe staple for the 4th of July, but they can get as hot as 1,800 (degrees) F. This temperature can melt gold. If you do allow your children to use them, take extra precautions such as tying long hair back into a ponytail and keeping the sparklers away from the clothes and face. As always, supervise your children while they are playing with them.
- Steer clear of illegal fireworks. You can identify these by the absence of manufacturer’s labels.
- Aim fireworks away from people, pets, houses, leaves, brush, and anything flammable. Fireworks reportedly cause more than 50,000 fires each year.
- Don’t forget cleanup! Don’t let your kids clean up any strays; they may still be dangerous. Fireworks should be soaked in a bucket of water and thrown in a trashcan.
- In case of injury follow these steps:
For burns, remove clothing and run cool water over the area. Do NOT use cold water or ice.
Eye injuries are serious and require immediate attention. Do NOT rub or touch the eye, apply ointment, or flush with water. Instead, protect your child’s eyesight by cutting the bottom out of a paper cup and holding it up to the eye until you can get to a doctor or hospital.
Have a Happy 4th of July!
