Keeping Kids in Mind This 4th of July

Food, fireworks, and family...nothing sounds better than that! Independence Day is just around the corner and we are giddy at the thought of celebrating with family and friends. However, the National Safety Council has reported year and year again that the 4th of July is the deadliest holiday. On land, in water, and even in the sky, the risk of fatalities and injuries increases on a day that should be full of sweet memories. 

As friends gather and excitement grows, children can sometimes get lost in the commotion, leaving them particularly vulnerable to injury or worse. With this in mind, we want to share a few ideas on how to make your 4th of July celebration an affair for all to enjoy.

Fireworks

We must admit, there is something special about seeing sparks light up the sky in red, white, and blue. We love fireworks, and you probably do too! There is no reason to exclude this fun display of patriotism from your day. However, there are a few ways to ensure that fireworks are safe for all to enjoy.

First things first, make sure consumer fireworks are legal in your area before purchasing or using them. For all of our friends in Memphis, remember that it is illegal to set off fireworks in Shelby County without a permit (that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beautiful display; click here to see a list of firework displays happening throughout the city!). If you are somewhere where consumer fireworks are legal or you have a permit, we want to leave you with a few reminders. 

Despite their bright colors and attractive design, remember that fireworks are NOT a toy. Whether lit or not, children should never handle fireworks. Until you are ready to use the fireworks, make sure they are stored in a safe location away from the celebration. When it is time to start the show, have a few trained people handling the fireworks and all others standing at a safe distance. Ralph Apel, president of the National Safety Council recommends an absolute minimum distance of 15 feet but urges all to remember that depending on what you are lighting, this distance might need to be adjusted.

Finally, we want to address the “kid-friendly” fireworks: sparklers. Remember that sparklers are still a form of fire, and burn at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Sparklers should only be used under strict supervision. A few ideas for safer alternatives include confetti poppers, glow sticks, and streamers.

Swimming

We think one of the best ways to escape the summer heat is in a nice cool body of water! Whether you spend the day at the pool, lake, or beach, water is a fun activity for all ages--if the proper precautions are taken. 

Only let a child enter the water if you are confident they know how to swim. Before the fun starts, go over water safety tips and remind them that adults are there to help. Children should never swim unsupervised. Create a rotating schedule of adults to watch swimming children at all times. All adults should be familiar with the signs of drowning, as well as how to perform life-saving measures such as CPR. 

A child can drown in the blink of an eye, and will likely be completely silent while doing so. Look for heads that are low with the mouth at water level, closed eyes, and children who appear to try and climb an invisible ladder. For more information on drowning, click here to see a report by the World Health Organization. 

Swimming is a great activity for all ages when done safely! For more tips on swimming safety click here or here. 

Cooking

Nothing says summer quite like grilling. Whether you prefer hamburgers, hotdogs, or a nice bean burger, the 4th of July just doesn’t seem complete without someone manning the grill! To make sure your yummy food can be enjoyed worry-free, it is best to have one adult by a lit grill at all times. Children under 5 account for 39% of contact burns each year, and these are most commonly seen when a curious child walks up to an unattended grill. 

4th of July is a time for joy and celebration, and we want to make sure it stays that way! Keeping your kids in the forefront of your mind and following a few easy safety tips will make the holiday enjoyable for all. From all of us here at the Fund, Happy Independence Day!