The Fourth of July brings fireworks everywhere, raising concerns about children’s safety. In 2021, over 11,500 people sought emergency treatment for fireworks injuries, with children under 15 accounting for nearly 30% of the cases. Around 74% of these injuries occurred in the weeks surrounding the holiday. Dr. Danelle Fisher, a pediatrician, highlights the importance of understanding safe fireworks practices. Let’s learn about guidelines for children and fireworks, including sparkler safety, from the experts.
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Ensuring The Safety Of Kids At Fireworks Displays
Experts recommend attending public fireworks displays for families, following safety precautions. Dr. Sage Myers advises watching from designated safety boundaries and supervising children. Maintain a 500-foot distance if no barrier is present. Protect children’s hearing with headphones or earplugs due to high decibel levels. Air quality isn’t an issue at 500 feet, but the smoke smell may vary with wind direction. Avoid burns by staying away from fallen fireworks remnants retaining high temperatures.
The Safety Of At-Home Fireworks And Sparklers
Doctors advise against private fireworks displays, especially for children. Home fireworks are hazardous, and sparklers can be dangerous too. Keep a safe distance of at least 500 feet from fireworks. Children should never handle fireworks. Instead of sparklers, it’s safer to use glow sticks.
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Dealing With Late-Night Fireworks Noise
Fireworks often occur late at night, extending past children’s bedtimes. Expect fireworks throughout the weekend and next week, with the holiday falling on a Tuesday. Experts recommend using a white noise machine to drown out the popping sounds in a child’s room. Remember to consider pets, as anxious dogs may bark. Turn on the TV or play music to distract nervous pets from loud noises. Taking these precautions ensures families can safely enjoy fireworks displays. Safety is key.