Firework Safety For The Fourth
The Fourth of July is a great opportunity to gather with friends and family to catch some independence-themed entertainment or enjoy a relaxing barbecue. However, the volatile mixture of alcohol and fireworks can also be very dangerous. In fact, there were almost 10,000 fireworks-related injuries reported in 2007, according to the Harvard Medical School, and many of those were suffered on the Fourth.
Because of this, it is important to stay safe when celebrating. Here are a few simple ways to minimize the risk of injuries on Independence Day.
Keeping kids safe
Keeping children away from fireworks is the most important part of maintaining safety during the holiday. Making sure that kids are a safe distance from any active fireworks is important, but limiting their access to unlit fireworks is just as critical.
It is a tricky subject to determine at what age adolescents should be able to handle fireworks, but it is likely wise to err on the side of caution. Devise a way to ramp them up to the more dangerous fireworks and supervise them assiduously when they first start.
Reliable dealer
Not all fireworks are the same and, while all can be dangerous, some are much more hazardous than others. For this reason it is important to make sure you purchase fireworks from a trustworthy and legal vendor. Fireworks are illegal in many states, but some law-skirting merchants still sell them. Because they are not monitored or regulated, these scofflaws should be avoided.
When you do have your fireworks, it is important to store them safely. Read the directions for specific procedures, but in general it is advised to keep them in a cool, dry place. When in use, keep water nearby and stay clear of houses and other structures.
With these simple guidelines and a little common sense it is easy to keep Independence Day free of injury.
