Fireworks Safety For Everyone

It’s Independence Day weekend, the Fourth of July. Americans are celebrating the birth of our nation. Things will be a bit different this year because of the COVID-19 Coronavirus, social distancing, and protesting we have experienced. Our celebrations will probably look different. It’s likely more people than usual will be celebrating at home. As we celebrate, it’s important to keep in mind fireworks safety for everyone.

Fireworks Safety

Fireworks are one of the most common, and special ways many Americans celebrate our Independence Day. Unfortunately, every year, many people are burned, maimed, or even killed by fireworks and fires. While fireworks are fun, carelessness with them can be just as dangerous as carelessness with fire or weapons. Fireworks safety is for everyone, not just the person lighting them. The following will help you have a safe Independence Day celebration:

• Always use fireworks outside
• Always have a bucket of water or a hose available for immediate use in case of a fire or accident
• Ensure you have a safety circle around where you are setting off fireworks. People, animals, homes, other buildings, vehicles, trees, bushes, flowers, etc. should all be outside this safety circle. Make sure there are no branches or power lines over the fireworks either
• Make sure you have plenty of space between groups of people lighting fireworks
• Wear safety glasses or goggles, or other eye protection when lighting fireworks
• Adults should always supervise use of fireworks, even sparklers. Sparklers burn at nearly 2000 degrees and can cause serious burn
• Younger children should never handle fireworks, including sparklers
• Older children should only use fireworks under close adult supervision
• Light fireworks one at a time and wait until one is finished to light another
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person
• Never hold fireworks while lighting them or after they are lit
• Do not light or put lit fireworks in a container
• After you light fireworks, back off to a safe distance. Never stand over fireworks
• If a firework appears to malfunction, fizzle, not light, or otherwise be a “dud”, let it sit. Do not immediately try to pick it up, and do not try to relight it
• After a firework has finished its display, wait 20-30 minutes, then douse it with water, preferably soaking it in water in a bucket. Leave the fireworks soaking overnight, then dispose of them appropriately
• Do not carry fireworks in your pocket
• Only buy and use legal fireworks meant for consumer use. Do not buy or use fireworks that are unlabelled or packaged in brown paper. These are generally illegal or meant for professional displays.
• Never try to make your own fireworks
  
  

Fireworks And Pets

Pets are often scared of fireworks. You should keep your pets inside while fireworks are being set off. Animals’ senses are more sensitive than people’s. Loud celebrations and fireworks can be stressful and scary events for pets and other animals. If your pets are frightened by fireworks, consider using something that might comfort them. Special shirts or wraps are available to help calm them. You can also use CBD medications.

PTSD And Other Special Considerations

Fireworks and other loud noises can also cause fear and anxiety for people who experience PTSD and other mental and emotional disorders and conditions. Be aware of your setting, but also your neighbours. If you will be setting fireworks off near people experiencing PTSD or other special considerations, you should avoid fireworks with loud whistles or bangs as much as possible.

For people who experience PTSD or other disorders or conditions, the following suggestions may help:

• Prepare for self-care kit with things you enjoy: calming scents, favourite books, pictures of loved ones or good memories, or a soothing hot bath, for example
• Wear ear muffs or noise cancelling headphones
• Listen to soothing noises, calming music, or an audiobook that will keep your attention
• Use a fan or other white noise
• If you’re trying to sleep, it can help to close your curtains or blinds, dim or turn off the lights, and wear an eye mask or bandana over your eyes, if needed
• Self regulate with deep breathing and other grounding or relaxation techniques. The 5-4-3-2-1 sensory exercise is one that is often recommended. Identify 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can feel, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you are grateful for or that is a positive thing you can say about yourself. Mediation, guided or not, can help too. There are also apps to help with calming and relaxation
• Allow yourself to accept what you’re experiencing. It’s okay. Don’t be embarrassed, ashamed, or self critical because of what you are experiencing now, or have experienced in the past
• If you have medications prescribed for use as needed for times when you are experiencing significant anxiety, stress, etc. go ahead and use the medication as prescribed
  
  

Fireworks Safety Helps Everyone Enjoy Independence Day

Independence Day is a favourite holiday for many. For many others though, it is a day of sadness and bad memories. This is especially true for people who have been injured by fireworks, or those who experience PTSD, anxiety disorders, or other mental or emotional conditions. However, with proper preparations and precautions, we can help make Independence Day celebrations safer. Fireworks safety is for everyone.

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Garrett Leeds is the founder of the Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness Project

If you would like to support the Life, Liberty, And Pursuit Of Happiness Project, please consider contributing to LLPHP via GoFundMe