Fireworks go hand in hand with the 4th of July! Weather your family likes to go watch the city fireworks or buy some to light off yourselves you’ll want to be safe. If you don’t take the right precaution, someone could get hurt. Here’s a few tips to help you stay save this holiday:
- Make sure it’s legal to light off fireworks where ever you are. Many cities have restricted areas in which it is illegal to light any fireworks off in those areas. So check with your local police department first before lighting any fireworks off.
- Kids should not play with fireworks! If you give your kids sparklers make sure they keep them outside and away from their face, clothing and hair. (See a great example below!)
- Buy your fireworks from the right place. Make sure the fireworks you’re buying are legal fireworks.
- Never try to make your own fireworks.
- Always use fireworks outside and make sure you have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of any accidents.
- Fireworks can backfire so make sure everyone is out of the way.
- Don’t hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting. Fireworks can also be set off by the friction in your pockets so it’s best not to put them in there.
- Light one firework at a time and don’t try to relight a dud.
- Get the adults to clean up. Some fireworks may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
- Soak the fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them away.
- Keep your animals safe too. They have sensitive ears and can become stressed and frightened during fireworks. Keep them indoors to help if at all possible.
If someone becomes injured during fireworks make sure you see a doctor or head to your local hospital. If it an eye injury occurs don’t rub or touch your eye because this could cause more damage. Also don’t flush the eye out with water or ointment. Instead seek medical attention immediate.
And one last tip, if your kids love sparklers but have a hard time keeping their hands away this is a great alternative. Simply get a plastic cup and poke a hole in the bottom of it. Then insert the sparkler through the hole and have your child grab the end. This will help protect their hands and keep them a little safer.
Hopefully everyone enjoys their 4th of July and stays safe!
