When you think about the Fourth of July, barbecues, parades, parties, and hot apple pie are the things that readily come to mind. Topping off this great American holiday celebration, however, are the colorful fireworks display that several states often participate in.
Fireworks are a popular tradition on Independence Day, and the celebration is considered incomplete without them. However, caution should be observed when using fireworks so injuries and accidents can be avoided, allowing you to have a safe Independence Day celebration.
Why is Independence Day Celebrated With Fireworks?
The most famous symbol of the Fourth of July festivities has to be the fireworks. No Independence Day celebration would be complete without those red, white and blue firelights proudly illuminating the evening sky before the day ends.
Fireworks were originally used to mark the first anniversary of American independence in 1777. Although these were non-existent the year before, President John Adams declared that succeeding generations should celebrate Independence Day with pomp and ceremony.
Adams’ wish for a large celebration was shared by many. Thus, on July 4, 1777, Philadelphia hosted the first ever Fourth of July party. It featured illuminations, bells, and a 13-gun-salute performance from a military band. More importantly, bells were rung and 13 firework rockets were launched up in the sky, a tradition that has since been observed every Fourth of July.
Fireworks Safety Tips on Independence Day
Celebrating Independence Day without fireworks is unimaginable. However, caution should be observed when using those lights. Carelessness could result in injuries like burns and accidents like fires.
Below are practical Independence Day safety tips.
1. Observe existing fireworks rules and regulations in your area.
Not all states allow the use of fireworks, partly to ensure that you’ll have a safe and happy Independence Day celebration. Thus, you should check with your local government for any guidelines on fireworks use during holiday celebrations.
2. Watch a virtual fireworks show as an alternative way of celebrating the Fourth of July.
Livestreaming professional fireworks shows are viable Independence Day safety tips as they hardly pose any danger. Meanwhile, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that families with young children avoid fireworks at home as this carries several risks like accidental burns and even fires. Another option to have a happy and safe 4th of July is to enjoy a professional fireworks display in your area that your local community may have organized.
3. Use sparklers but keep them away from children.
Although sparklers are generally considered safe fireworks, they can still cause serious injuries, especially among children. When these fireworks reach temperatures of 2,000 degrees, burns on the face and hands are likely, and this can be difficult to handle for the little ones. A worst case scenario is a sparkler blast that can cause permanent hearing and visual disability.
In this regard, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that on a daily basis, more than a hundred people are rushed to various emergency rooms during Independence Day month due to fireworks injuries. The most common of these involve burns to the fingers and hands, the head, face, ears and eyes.
4. Always check the fireworks labels before and after purchasing them.
Make sure that you only purchase fireworks from an authorized dealer to ensure that you’ll enjoy a safe Independence Day party. After making the purchase, read the label carefully for important information like the minimum safe distance for spectators, product certification as proof that the item is legal, and instructions for use.
Before you set off the fireworks, it is also important that you check the surrounding area to ensure that there aren’t any combustible materials nearby, especially dried leaves, gas, and crumpled pieces of paper.
5. Be mindful of your children and the people around you.
Even though they may seem harmless, fireworks can be dangerous, especially if they are not used correctly. As they can easily attract attention, children and bystanders are naturally drawn to them and will want to go near. This exposes them to the risk of accidental burns if they are not careful. Given this, the question of how to celebrate Independence Day safely lies in your hands; you simply need to be on guard always so fireworks accidents can be avoided.
6. Observe health safety protocols when using fireworks.
The world is still in a pandemic because of COVID-19, and although gatherings are already allowed in many places, the virus is still in our midst. A professional fireworks show on Independence Day will undoubtedly attract a large crowd and can prove to be risky.
If you have plans to watch such a show, it’s still best to follow the safety protocols that are still in place so you can have a happy and safe 4th of July celebration. These include wearing a face mask, especially for people who are not yet fully vaccinated, washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, and practicing social distancing of at least six feet, especially when in a crowd.
7. Keep a bucket of water on hand in case an emergency occurs.
Sometimes, emergencies cannot be avoided, especially when the euphoria of the Independence Day celebration becomes overwhelming. Sparklers and flares could be thrown away without caution in the lawn, causing a spark that can turn into a fire. In a situation like this, it is always a good idea to have a water source or a bucket of water nearby so you can continue having a safe Independence Day.
Meanwhile, if you or any of your family members suffer a firework-related injury, having a first aid kit at home is recommended for quick and temporary treatment. If medical attention is still needed, the victim can be brought to the nearest hospital later. An alternative is to call 911 immediately, especially if the injury sustained appears serious.
Key Takeaway
Fireworks have always been part of the annual Independence Day celebration. Unfortunately accidents and injuries caused by fireworks have also become a sad tradition. Nevertheless, there are safe and enjoyable ways of using fireworks every Fourth of July without suffering from a burn or losing a finger. All it takes is to follow safety rules and to know who to contact in case of an emergency.
Contact Deep Water Emergency Services & Mitigation if you have an emergency on Independence Day.
Independence Day is one American holiday that’s hardly celebrated without any accident or disaster. Many of these involve problems surrounding fireworks which sometimes lead to fire incidences. Thankfully, Deep Water Emergency Services & Mitigation is always ready to help so you can have a safe Independence Day.
Our team of fire damage mitigation Denver, CO, experts can be relied upon to work on your property ruined by fire that may have occurred following your celebration of Independence Day. Contact us right away for any other damage you may have suffered from, notably flooding, mold infestation, and sewage backup.
