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So I'm going to be the helicopter parent for parents in this post, okay? Because according to Kidshealth.org, more than 10,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries in 2005. Nearly 50 percent of those injured each year are kids under age 15.
Some easy tips to keep your July 4th celebrations fun and safe:
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your town. Seriously, if it's not legal...and especially if your kid's old enough to know it's not legal...don't use them.
- Always have water nearby (a bucket or hose) for emergencies.
- Don't let kids light fireworks. Just don't.
- Little kids love to hold sparklers and you may be inclined to let them because they look relatively safe. Think again. Those sparklers can reach a temperature of more than 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. Give young children (the under-12 crowd) glow sticks...they're just as fun and won't light their hair on fire or cause serious burns.
- You should also make sure kids are a safe distance away from any fireworks being lit.
- Teach your kids not to pick up fireworks on the ground. They could still be hot or "duds." Tell them to get an adult to check it out.
- Remind children not to play with matches.
- Make it even easier -- just go check out a professional fireworks show near you. No mess, no clean up, no worries.
Easy enough, right? And I didn't even have to hover too long. If you need more information, check out the National Council on Fireworks Safety.
Do you light fireworks for (and with) your kids?
