Firework Safety: Keep Your Kids Safe From Injury
Fireworks are a major part of the festivities at major holidays like Independence Day, Christmas, and New Years. Finding discounted fireworks from companies like Fireworks Fantasy and having your own show at home adds to the special feeling of family celebrations. However, you should always take firework safety very seriously, especially when children will be around the area where fireworks are stored, lit, and thrown away. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind to make sure nobody is harmed, especially children.
1. Teach children about firework safety at public displays.
Professional firework displays are a great place to lay a foundation for proper respect for fireworks. While your children enjoy the wonder of the display, take the time to explain what fireworks are and why they are displayed a fair distance away from onlookers. Point out the residual smoke and the height of the sparklers. Show that the fire department is present in case of accidents. This will help children to realize that all fireworks are dangerous and should be respected, not played with.
2. Store private fireworks in a locked container, away from flammable materials.
You don't want fireworks to be tampered with or played with by accident. Many consumer fireworks sets have brightly colored wrappers and interesting names. Young children might even try to eat the fireworks because they are so attractive. Avoid any accidents or poisoning by storing any unused fireworks in a locked cupboard away from the main activities of the house and preferably out of the house entirely.
3. Model proper firework safety yourself.
Don't ever display a cavalier attitude toward personal firework use. For example, you should never carry small fireworks in your pocket or hold them in your hand while you light them. Children follow the examples of the adults around them, so your own respect for fireworks will go a long way in preventing injury. Wear gloves and goggles when lighting fireworks, and show children that you always place the used firework remnants in water to prevent accidental fires or burns.
4. Don't allow children to hold fireworks.
Many parents view certain fireworks as suitable for children. For example, sparklers are often used for birthday cakes or weddings. These are generally safe for adults to hold, but children with short arms and small hands can easily drop or touch the hot end of a sparkler. These can still cause severe burns.
Don't allow older children or teens to follow the trend of having battles with roman candles. These fireworks are designed to shoot balls of fire into the air. In one of these "battles" the firework is held in the hand and the firework is directed at another person. While all done in the name of fun, the fireballs can burn skin, light clothing on fire, and cause blindness or other facial injuries.
5. Make sure all children are accounted before starting the show.
When gathering family together for the big show, be sure that every child attending is being watched and held by a responsible adult. This way, you don't have a curious toddler running into the line of fie without being seen. Also, after the show, take children inside while the adults dispose of the fireworks, just to make sure the hot remains are not accidentally touched by a child.
If you or a child is injured by a firework, seek immediate medical attention. If a firework strikes the face, restrain the child to prevent them from rubbing his or her eyes, as this can make damage to the eyes worse. Be sure to follow all safety instructions given to you at the time of purchase.
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