When summer rolls around, families' and children's thoughts turn to the bright and colorful fireworks displays that take place on the Fourth of July. While some families gather at community parks or organized events to view professional fireworks shows, many families choose to hold their own festivities in their neighborhoods or backyards.
Unfortunately, many of these celebrations, intended to be exciting and fun, can quickly turn into a nightmare. Every year more than 3,000 children ages 14 and under are treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries.
If using fireworks, please remember to follow fireworks laws in your area, practice extreme caution and remember these vital safety guidelines recommended by the Bay Mills Safe Kids Coalition:
— Only adults should handle fireworks &mdash Tell children that they should leave the area immediately if their friends are using fireworks and keep a bucket of water handy.
— Discuss safety procedure with your children &mdash Teach children “stop, drop and roll” if their clothes catch fire. Make sure they know how to call 9-1-1. Show them how to put out fireworks by using water or a fire extinguisher.
— Read labels and carefully follow directions &mdash All fireworks must carry a warning label describing necessary safety precautions.
— Never use fireworks indoors.
— Be sure spectators are out of range before lighting fireworks.
— Never aim or throw fireworks at another person.
— Never place your face or any other body part over fireworks.
— Never try to re-ignite fireworks that malfunction.
— Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
— Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves and flammable materials.
