It’s July and red, white and blue banners and American flags are everywhere. Are you getting ready to celebrate Independence Day? Prepping the grill? Filling the fridge with hot dogs, hamburgers and homemade ice cream? Planning to attend a fireworks celebration nearby? I know I am.
Fireworks during the Fourth of July are as American as apple pie. However, if you decide to have your own backyard celebration with fireworks, remember that these festivities can, unfortunately, turn tragic. Did you know every year, more than 3,500 children under the age of 15 are treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries? And that kids 10 to 14 years of age account for most of those incidents? Yikes!
The good news is we can enjoy the holiday and the fireworks. The best way to keep our children or anyone from becoming a statistic is to celebrate American Independence Day at a community-sanctioned, licensed fireworks display. There’s one happening at Scotland High School Stadium the night of July 4th! But, if you do decide to host your own mini-celebration, please be as safe as possible! Here are a few safety tips to consider:
— Check your local laws first. Some or all types of consumer fireworks may not be legal. Don’t assume our municipality or State allows the use of consumer fireworks you purchased elsewhere.
— Maintain a “hands off” policy for children. Even if consumer fireworks are legal in this area, make sure your children know only adults should handle them. Children should never play with fireworks! That includes sparklers, which adults often overlook as they can reach up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit and can inflict painful and disfiguring burns! Children should never pick up fireworks that are left over as they may still be active and can explode at any time.
— Educate your children. Teach your children and playmates to respect the “adults only” policy. Teach them to “stop, drop and roll” if their clothes catch fire. Make sure they know how to call emergency services and show them how to put out fireworks with water or fire extinguisher.
— Be prepared. Never ignite fireworks inside. Before you begin, choose a smooth, flat surface away from your home, dry leaves and other flammable materials. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more than 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year. Have a bucket of water of fire extinguisher nearby. Read and carefully follow all safety and lighting instructions.
— Steer clear of others. You can minimize the risk of injuring yourself and others by making sure your children or guests are well out of range before you light fireworks. Fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in fun.
— Think about your pets. Don’t forget animals have sensitive ears and can be frightened or stressed during the Fourth of July fireworks. Keep your pet(s) indoors to reduce the risk that your pet will run loose or get injured.
I know all parents want to protect their children from harm and keep them safe. Fireworks certainly are meant to be enjoyed, so enjoy them knowing your family is SAFE. It’s important to take extra precautions this Fourth of July, the rest of the summer and have a BLAST!
If you would like to more information about children’s safety and/or wellness, contact Kathie Cox, Health Educator II/PIO and Healthy Communities Coordinator at Scotland County Health Department, at 910-277-2470, Ext. 4478, or go online to www.nfpa.org/education, or http://www.kidshealth.org.
