It’s the time of year to celebrate the birth of our nation with friends and family. It is a time to enjoy delicious food and drinks, spend time with our loved ones, and have fun with all the colorful fireworks and sparklers. We have some tips to help you have be safe while celebrating the 4th of July.
Every year between 8,000 to 9,000 Americans end up in the emergency room from fireworks injuries.
- SPARKLERS can cause third degree burns. They appear safe and fun but can get up 2000 degrees! Consider alternatives to sparklers when celebrating with little ones. Buy glow sticks and jewelry or find fun flashlights.
- PETS have far more sensitive hearing than you do and fireworks can be very stressful for them. Put them in the quietest and most secure area. Dogs may run away because they are scared. Shelters are overrun with lost pets on July 5th. Check with your vet about calming medications.
- FIREWORKS are best left to professionals. Go to professional fireworks shows rather than doing it yourself. If you chose to do them at home:
- Never attempt to investigate or relight, but douse it in water
- Only light one at a time
- Use outdoors only and away from homes, dry brush, or people
- Keep everyone else back, especially children
- Keep a fire extinguisher on hand and know how to use it
- Purchase from a reputable source and don’t make your own
- Handle with care and dispose of them carefully
- UBER home or have a designated driver. The 4th of July is one of the most dangerous driving days of the year.
- COOKING FIRES are one of the highest insurance claims on the 4th. Always supervised grill while in use, don’t add more lighter fluid to already lit coals, keep grill away from house or other flammable areas, and keep children away from the grill.
