It’s a warm summer evening surrounded by loved ones stamped in red, white, and blue attire holding a cold beer in hand while gazing up at a sky illuminated with the glimmer of fireworks. Why of course, this scene illustrates the prided American holiday—Independence Day. As a hallmark holiday for the United States, Americans around the country are preparing for the weekend-long festivities with food, drinks and fireworks, of course!
However, as we prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, it is important to remind ourselves the dangers these colorful explosives pose to us. A U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Analysis found that 18 people died in non-occupational firework incidents in the U.S. in 2020, an increase on 12 deaths recorded in 2019. Unsurprisingly, 66% of all firework injuries in 2020 occurred around the Fourth of July period, between June 21st and July 21st.
Although injuries and deaths related to fireworks suggest firecrackers are the main culprit, even mild fireworks—such as sparklers—can get hot enough to burn through clothing. To prevent burn injuries, you should exercise extreme caution when lighting and holding fireworks and monitor your children closely while celebrating.
Firework Safety Recommendations:
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions and warnings.
- Do not try to make your own fireworks; use only those that are commercially manufactured.
- Only light fireworks outside in an open space.
- Obey local ordinances regarding private fireworks usage.
- Have a bucket of water handy in case of emergencies.
- If a firework does not go off, do not try to relight it. Instead, wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Never light a firework in a glass or metal container.
- Do not drink alcohol while lighting fireworks—they can pose burning hazards if you are not careful.
Protecting Your Pets:
Like thunderstorms or the vacuum, fireworks may frighten our pets. To protect our pets from becoming stressed as a result of loud noises from fireworks:
- Keep pets indoors, away from loud noises and in a place that is comfortable to them.
- Allow pets to go to the bathroom before beginning your fireworks show to prevent accidents.
Sparkler Safety:
Sparklers are especially fun for children. Once children are old enough, allow them to hold a sparkler under guidance. Those who are younger than 12 years old should not hold sparklers and should remain as spectators only.
For additional lifestyle and well-being guidance, contact us today.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice