Participating in the festivities of July 4th is an exciting time for kids. With all the fun of fireworks, family BBQs and the noise of the day, there are some important things to remember in order to prevent injuries and help the whole family has a safe and enjoyable experience.
As fun as the light shows are, the fireworks are explosives. Home fireworks are extreme fire hazards and should be treated with care. Kids should never be left unattended with any kind of firework,or lighter including sparklers.
For a safe and fun July Fourth celebration, make sure to follow these simple safety tips:
- Always read and follow package instructions.
- Do not allow small children to ignite fireworks or handle unlit fireworks. These are dangerous materials and not intended for children to handle.
- Even sparklers can be dangerous when handled unattended. Help kids properly use and handle sparklers of all sizes.
- Do not allow children to hover over or near by to watch you light the fireworks.
- Always use fireworks outdoors only and in a open, clear area.
- Always have water readily available. A bucket of water nearby to put out sparklers, as well as a hose of some kind are both great ways to be prepared in case of fire.
Additionally, it’s important to be aware that not all kids, especially young children, understand or enjoy the experiences of July 4th. The loud noises, bright unexpected lights and the general “surprise” factor of the day can be scary and overwhelming. Be prepared for these types of reactions. It’s good to talk to your kids a head of time and let them know what to expect. Let them know you’re there if they need you. Here are some ideas to help in case of unhappy firework celebrations:
- If you have never taken your child to see a firework show, consider watching from a distance the first time. Up close watching is extremely loud and can be quite scary for some kids (and pets). If you do insist on watching up close, anticipate moving to the car and watching from the safety of this close noise area.
- When giving young children sparklers, demonstrate first, don’t simply hand the child the sparkler. Make sure to talk to them about how to handle it safely.
- When shooting off home fireworks, make sure to read the effects ahead of time and give your kids a warning if it’s a noise maker so they are prepared.
July 4th should be a fun and exciting day for the whole family. Celebrating our nations independence is the cornerstone of our American history. Take care to be prepared and follow responsible safety guidelines and it will surely be a fun time for all!
Happy 4th of July!