Fireworks Safety Tips for a Fun Fourth of July

Each year, the Fourth of July is marked with backyard BBQ’s, parades, and fireworks to celebrate the holiday. It is a great time to hang out and relax with your friends and family while enjoying the nice summer weather. Unfortunately, this time of year is also marked with a spike in Emergency Room visits from fireworks-related injuries. Even worse, over one-third of these injuries happen to children under the age of 15.

The best way to prevent an injury from occurring is to not use fireworks at home. Instead, attend a public fireworks display in your local community where you’ll be able to watch from a safe distance away.

Large fireworks aren’t the only danger to be aware of during the holiday. Handheld sparklers may seem harmless, but they can burn at temperatures of 1200 degrees Fahrenheit and should not be given to children. Instead, talk to your child about the dangers of fireworks and show them they can still have fun with a safer option like glow sticks. You can even bring a camera along for some cool glow-in-the-dark pictures. By adjusting your settings for a longer exposure your kids will love see the shapes they can make.

Be sure to check out our Pinterest board for more fun Fourth of July ideas. And remember, if you’re going away for the holiday, the summer months carry the highest rate of burglary. Prep your home before you leave with the right security measures. Use light timers, stop your mail or have a neighbor collect it, arm your LifeShield alarm system, and double check that every door and window is locked before you leave.  Protecting your home is one of the smartest ways to ensure a summer full of fun memories.