Safety 101 for the Fourth of July with Kids

Fourth of July is this Saturday, and with that comes cookouts, days spent at the pool, lots of outdoor time and fireworks. Fireworks are fun, but come with safety hazards. Before you strike that match, safety experts urge you to consider the safety of your children – and yourself.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 15,000 fireworks-related injuries are treated each year in hospitals, doctor's offices, clinics, surgery centers and emergency rooms. Injuries to children represent more than half those accidents.

Be careful with sparklers.
Ever seen a mortar tip over and crazily zigzag around the yard? But it's not just the big fireworks that are dangerous. Sparklers can exceed temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees, hot enough to melt gold. Even after they burn out, the metal holder for sparklers remain hot enough to cause a serious burn injury. A couple of years ago, my curious preschooler decided to touch the end of a sparkler while I was standing right beside him, after numerous warnings not to touch the end after the sparks went out, but curiosity got the best of him! Needless to say it resulted in tears, but luckily no major burn. (I learned that night that a dab of apple cider vinegar on a burn can take the sting away).

Safety first at the pool.
Of course, remember safety first when poolside with kids. It's easy to become distracted with friends over to swim or at a busy community pool. Take turns putting one adult on lifeguard duty at home pools. That means for their shift, eyes on kids without distractions from digital devices and conversation with adults.

Stay away from fireworks.
The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home. There are loads of public fireworks displays happening around town. Some are happening before the fourth. Make plans to go early, find a good spot to set up and watch, then kick back and enjoy some of summer's best celebrations.

Happy Independence Day!