__I love the 4th of July–how can you not?! The beach, the BBQs, and best of all, the fireworks! My family throws a huge party every year complete with tons of food, a few rounds of soccer, and at night, plenty of sparklers to light up the sky. But as fun as they are, they can be dangerous. So before your family celebrates, make sure you brush up on your fireworks safety by using these 6 tips:
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1. Make sure it's legal! Lighting fireworks in your backyard isn't legal in many areas, so be sure to check with your local police department first. If not, you could get heavily fined.
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Stay outside. If you give kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from the face, clothing, and hair. Sparklers can get very hot and are very dangerous if not handled properly. As a precaution, keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of accidents.
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Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush and leaves and other flammable substances. Also steer clear of others — fireworks are known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even if you're just joking!
4. Wear some sort of eye protection, and don't carry fireworks in your pocket since the friction could set them off.
5. Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after they've been lit because some may still be ignited. Make sure to dunk all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them away.
- If a child is injured by fireworks, immediately go to a doctor or hospital. If an eye injury occurs, don't allow your child to touch or rub it, as this may cause even more damage. If it's a burn, remove clothing from the burned area and run cool, not cold, water over the burn (never use ice).
As long as you're careful and follow these guidelines, there's no reason not to enjoy a good fireworks display! Have fun and happy Fourth!
How do you celebrate on the 4th of July? Tell us in the comments below!
Image via Clover_1/flickr
