Make 4th of July Safe for You and Your Children
Tara Paterson
June 28, 2007
The Fourth of July holiday symbolizes our first festive celebration of the summer season. We celebrate our country’s independence; summer vacation; and for many, long awaited family reunions. Airports are jammed; highways are packed; and vacation destination spots are brimming with people from all over the world. It truly is a time to dance, be merry and enjoy life, but many dangers exist during this celebratory time of year.
Here are some things to be aware of while preparing for this year’s Fourth of July celebration that will help keep you and your family safe. According to the Naval Safety Center, accidents resulting from fireworks can include death, blinding, amputations, and severe burns. To insure the safety of your guests and those lighting the fireworks, practice the following safety measures during your fireworks display.
Do not allow young children to handle fireworks and make sure there is proper supervision for older children.
Follow all local laws and make sure to read directions and warnings on product labels
Make sure fireworks are used on a hard, stabile surface and set off in an open clear area to reduce risk of fire or injury.
Do not attempt to re-light a “dud.” Allow it to sit for several minutes or submerge it in water to prevent an accidental explosion
Make sure there is water nearby in case of an emergency.
Make sure to use care when handling fireworks and never point or throw them at another person.
Other Fourth of July safety tips that will keep you and your family safe include:
Swimming- make sure children are always supervised in or around the pool. Take responsibility for your children even in the company of other adults. No one will pay as close attention to your child as you will.
Driving- many people travel this time of year which can lead to congestion, accidents, road rage, and drinking and driving incidents. Make sure your car is in excellent condition and make sure you are rested, alert and aware of everything going on around you.
Boating- accidents on the water are more common than most people are aware of. There are equally as many drinking and boating accidents as there are on the roads. If you hear a boat traveling at high speeds, move out of its path and close to the shoreline until the boat has passed. There are far fewer police boats than cars so pay attention to your surroundings and if you are traveling at night to watch the fireworks displays, make sure your boat has the proper reflective lights and plenty of gas.
BBQing- make sure propane tanks are in working condition at all times. According to the Naval Safety Center, people have been severely burned when gas build up has led to explosions. Make sure an adult is always present around a heated grill to prevent children from getting burned.
Alcohol consumption- pay attention to the amount of alcohol you consume especially in the summer heat. Too much alcohol can cause a heat stroke; sickness and vomiting; and reckless behavior.
Make your Fourth of July celebration an exciting, celebratory, but safe holiday for you and your children. Spend time sharing the history of our independence and observe the delight a fireworks display can create for a young child. “Never fear spoiling children by making them too happy. Happiness is the atmosphere in which all good affections grow.” –Ann Eliza Bray
2007 by Tara Paterson, certified Parent Coach, All Rights Reserved
Here are some things to be aware of while preparing for this year’s Fourth of July celebration that will help keep you and your family safe. According to the Naval Safety Center, accidents resulting from fireworks can include death, blinding, amputations, and severe burns. To insure the safety of your guests and those lighting the fireworks, practice the following safety measures during your fireworks display.
Do not allow young children to handle fireworks and make sure there is proper supervision for older children.
Follow all local laws and make sure to read directions and warnings on product labels
Make sure fireworks are used on a hard, stabile surface and set off in an open clear area to reduce risk of fire or injury.
Do not attempt to re-light a “dud.” Allow it to sit for several minutes or submerge it in water to prevent an accidental explosion
Make sure there is water nearby in case of an emergency.
Make sure to use care when handling fireworks and never point or throw them at another person.
Other Fourth of July safety tips that will keep you and your family safe include:
Swimming- make sure children are always supervised in or around the pool. Take responsibility for your children even in the company of other adults. No one will pay as close attention to your child as you will.
Driving- many people travel this time of year which can lead to congestion, accidents, road rage, and drinking and driving incidents. Make sure your car is in excellent condition and make sure you are rested, alert and aware of everything going on around you.
Boating- accidents on the water are more common than most people are aware of. There are equally as many drinking and boating accidents as there are on the roads. If you hear a boat traveling at high speeds, move out of its path and close to the shoreline until the boat has passed. There are far fewer police boats than cars so pay attention to your surroundings and if you are traveling at night to watch the fireworks displays, make sure your boat has the proper reflective lights and plenty of gas.
BBQing- make sure propane tanks are in working condition at all times. According to the Naval Safety Center, people have been severely burned when gas build up has led to explosions. Make sure an adult is always present around a heated grill to prevent children from getting burned.
Alcohol consumption- pay attention to the amount of alcohol you consume especially in the summer heat. Too much alcohol can cause a heat stroke; sickness and vomiting; and reckless behavior.
Make your Fourth of July celebration an exciting, celebratory, but safe holiday for you and your children. Spend time sharing the history of our independence and observe the delight a fireworks display can create for a young child. “Never fear spoiling children by making them too happy. Happiness is the atmosphere in which all good affections grow.” –Ann Eliza Bray
2007 by Tara Paterson, certified Parent Coach, All Rights Reserved