Staying safe this 4th of July is a top priority. Especially against one of the top activities, fireworks. Because of Covid-19, there has been a big jump in consumer fireworks. Even though it might seem like a fun way to entertain your kids it is a big safety risk. Thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured each year because of fireworks. The 4th of July is when these injuries take place the most. 180 people go to the emergency room from firework-related causes every day during this time of year.
Considering we are still in a Covid 19 era people are still more likely to have their own fireworks celebration. It seems easier and it is a way to entertain your kids. But children under the age of 15 are accounted for more than a third of injuries which can include burns, and wounds to hands and the face. Some even fatal because of the lit fireworks not going off correctly or being helped by the victim when they explode.
There are so many safer easy to celebrate the holiday without a firework showcase:
View from a distance- you can watch them from your house or in your own car, even some events will be displayed on your tv for home viewing
Wave a flag instead of a sparkler- because sparklers can cause clothing to ignite and cause eye injuries.
For more resources visit the NFPA for added information about firework safety.
Did you know more than 50,000 fires are caused by fireworks every year? Here are some safety factors that you should follow for this upcoming holiday:
1. Never Try To Make Your Own Fireworks
2. Do Not Point Sparklers or Fireworks At Yourself or Others
3. Only Light Fireworks On The Ground In Areas That Are Dry and Fire-Resistant
4. Never Allow Young Children to Handle Fireworks
5. Always Have A Portable Fire Extinguisher Nearby