Every year however, there are terrible tradegies that could be avoided. 8,600 to be exact on July 4th 2010. Kids favorite sparklers burn at 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. That is a serious burn. Not to damper our celebratory spirit, but we are playing with fire and hot fire at that. Caution should be heeded for the safety of our children and our neighbors.
Here are a few safety tips to remember that will make your 4th July safe and fun.
1. An adult should always light fireworks. This adult should be responsible, sober and use proper safety gear like glasses.
2. If you light a firework but it does not seem to work, do not try to relight it. This is very dangerous. Fireworks are not 100% reliable and sometimes they can do the unexpected.
3. Have a source of water, ie a hose, near by. Fireworks are unpredicitable and water and lots of it should be available to douse them if needed.
4 .Have a bucket of water to soak all used fireworks in. Some fireworks can still be hot after 15-20 minutes. Never put fireworks that have just been used in a garbage can.
5. If your child does do sparklers, make sure they are wearing shoes and not flip flops. Most burns happen on the feet, so this gives you one extra layer of protection.
6. After your fireworks are done, clean up. Store used fireworks in your bucket of water, wash off the street or sidewalk with a hose and put away all your lighters. It never hurts to go a little overboard on safety.
One last thing I would like to add. Every year before we leave for the huge community fire work display, we turn our sprinklers on. Not only will this water out anything we missed, but it protects us from the neighbors fireworks too. Every year people shoot off illegal fireworks in our neighborhood and every year we are concerned our house will be hit by one of these stray roman candles. Having wet grass, and yes sometimes the roof, gives us that extra layer of precaution on a night that we all love to celebrate.
Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July
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