Fireworks & 4th Of July Safety

The Fourth of July is a favorite American holiday celebrated with friends, family, outdoor fun and, of course, fireworks. While in most states fireworks are illegal and only allowed by law in professional displays, that doesn't stop people from obtaining them and setting them off themselves. Sure, creating your own personal firework show is fun and exciting but it's also dangerous, especially when people don't follow proper safety measures. That's why every year about 200 people are rushed to the emergency room around the Fourth of July with serious firework related injuries. To keep the holiday fun and yourself and others out of the emergency room this holiday, here are some safety tip.

• Do not throw or aim fireworks at people or animals.
• Do not attempt to relight duds.
• Keep people and animals at a safe distance from ignited fireworks.
• Do not attempt to “enhance” fireworks.
• Do not attempt to light damaged fireworks.
• Make sure to have a water supply, garden hose or fire extinguisher nearby.
• Do not give fireworks to children.
• Do not allow intoxicated people or children to handle fireworks.
• Do not set off fireworks in dry or grassy areas.

 
Other holiday safety tips:

• Do not leave children and pets unattended in pool areas.
• Do not leave food out in the sun for a long period of time.
• Keep alcohol out of reach of children and pets.
• Have proper ID on your pets and children.
• Do not let intoxicated people drive any sort of vehicle or man the grill.

 
Safety tips for your pets:

• Do not take pets to firework displays. This is a highly stressful holiday for pets, especially dogs. The exploding fireworks are magnified for them and create extreme nervousness and anxiety. A fireworks display is the worst place you could bring your pet.
• Keep your pets inside. A bedroom with the windows closed or cracked open, or in a crate in a quiet room is perfect. DO NOT leave your dog in the back yard or on the balcony. Dogs have been known to jump out windows, over fences and off balconies, sustaining great injuries or even death.
• Leave the radio or TV on if you are leaving your pet alone on the Fourth of July. The music or TV noise will help drown out some of the fireworks.
• Make sure your pet has proper identification on them. Many escaped or lost pets will end up in shelters or picked up by good samaritans, so having an ID on your pet will help get them back to you sooner. Shelters also have to euthanize current shelter animal residents to accommodate the amount of pets that come in. To avoid this all together, make sure your pet is secure before you leave your home. 
• Limit the amount of people food your pet consumes during festivities. Seasonings and sauces can cause an upset stomach and, in some cases, poisoning.

 
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