If You Play with Fire, You Might Get Burned: Tips and Websites for a Safe Fourth of July

The Fire Storm

Our household is in the midst of those precarious years called "The Toddler to Preschool Stage." It's a stage that's filled with risks. That is, risks to the parents. One of the biggest issues in our household involves naps, or resting, as Darling 1 prefers to call it. On some days, our Darling Boys nap with minimal struggle before they actually nod off to sleep. On other days, the Darling Boys scream, shout, cry, whine, throw books and other objects in protest. It's those days that I know they need to rest the most, and usually after much struggle on my part, they both sleep peacefully for a few hours. But then there are the days that the schedule gets filled to the brim and there's no time for a nap or they simply keep on happily playing, reading and laughing which tricks me into thinking they don't need a nap.

These are the days that will really get you into trouble by dinner time. Everything seems to be going along well; everyone is happy. But then some small thing happens like a wheel coming off of a toy car that Darling 1 is playing with or Darling 2 can't quite get the page turned in the book he is "reading" and it all starts to crumble. It takes only one to get upset about something, the other Darling Boy will soon follow, whining and crying, miserably inconsolable. At that point, you might as well skip dinner and go straight to bed, which is what happens on occasion.

At ages 21 months and 4 years old, and being highly spirited individuals, it isn't just missing a nap that can set them off, it could be too short of a nap, too long of a nap, the wrong part of the day, the wrong side of the bed, the wrong toy, the wrong snack, the wrong book, the wrong week or month. The toddler to preschool years bring lots of angst, independence and exploration. Fortunately, these volatile moods or years don't last long …usually. Yet, right now the fact remains that our household is smack in the middle of it, and if you play with fire, you might get burned. So, we as parents must do everything within our control to play it safe, with naps, or resting time; plenty of breaks to re-group and lots of very parent-sounding lines like, "Don't slap your brother. Use your words! Tell him how that made you feel when he tackled your head." at the ready.

Fireworks Safety Tips

So it is with fireworks. It seems like such a happy, fun, holiday tradition to have a little fireworks display of your own. The problem is that things can go from fine and safe to bad and dangerous very quickly. It's safest to plan to attend a professionally orchestrated city or area-wide fireworks display, but if you insist upon setting off a few of your own, please take the time to read these safety tips and visit these great websites in order to be fully prepared should an accident occur.

The good news is despite the fact that the American fireworks consumption has dramatically increased since 1976 from 29 million pounds to over 265.5 million pounds in 2007 there has been a 90% decrease in fireworks-related injuries since the Consumer Products Safety Commission began to closely monitor the fireworks industry. That said the need to always use precaution and take safety measures when around fireworks remains.

Here are some great tips for staying safe around fireworks:

• If not handled properly, fireworks can cause burn and eye injuries in kids and adults. In 2003, six deaths were linked to fireworks and hospital emergency departments treated 9,300 fireworks injuries.

   

• The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home — period. Attend public fireworks displays, and leave the lighting to the professionals.

   

• Lighting fireworks at home isn't even legal in many areas, so if you still want to use them, be sure to check with your local police department first. If they're legal where you live, keep these safety tips in mind:
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  • Kids should never play with fireworks. Things like firecrackers, rockets, and sparklers are just too dangerous. If you give kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from the face, clothing, and hair. Sparklers can reach 1,800° Fahrenheit (982° Celsius) — hot enough to melt gold.

     

  • Buy only legal fireworks (legal fireworks have a label with the manufacturer's name and directions; illegal ones are unlabeled), and store them in a cool, dry place. Illegal fireworks usually go by the names M-80, M100, blockbuster, or quarterpounder. These explosives were banned in 1966, but still account for many fireworks injuries.
  • Never try to make your own fireworks.
  • Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents.
  • Steer clear of others — fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.
  • Don't hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting. Wear some sort of eye protection, and avoid carrying fireworks in your pocket — the friction could set them off.
  • Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush and leaves and flammable substances. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year.
  • Light one firework at a time (not in glass or metal containers), and never relight a dud.
  • Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
  • Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.
  • Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run loose or get injured.

• If a child is injured by fireworks, immediately go to a doctor or hospital. If an eye injury occurs, don't allow your child to touch or rub it, as this may cause even more damage. Also, don't flush the eye out with water or attempt to put any ointment on it. Instead, cut out the bottom of a paper cup, place it around the eye, and immediately seek medical attention — your child's eyesight may depend on it. If it's a burn, remove clothing from the burned area and run cool, not cold, water over the burn (do not use ice). Call your doctor immediately.

Websites

This is Phantom Fireworks' website. It has all kinds of information about fireworks from safety tips to how fireworks are made to history and trivia. Check it out at: http://www.fireworks.com/safety/. I think this is a great site with so much information.

Another good website for fireworks safety information is www.Fireworksafety.com. This is the site of the National Council on Fireworks Safety. This site offers information on state laws, injury statistics and safety concerns.

The Scoop

I wish you all a happy, safe, fun-filled 4^th of July weekend. Please do take a few minutes to read these safety tips here and on the websites. It's important and could save a life. On Friday, I will post a bit of Motherly Advice. Over and out…

Anna

Comments

[Mom to an 11 year old, been there]

I think that if a kid doesn't want to take a nap, let it go. The truth is it's easy to blame bad behavior on being tired, but sooner or later your child (and you) have to learn how to behave well even when tired. Parents go to ridiculous lengths to get a nap and IMHO it's really not about the kid. Let's be honest. It's about the parent wanting a break. And, it's about not wanting to admit that your child might be misbehaving for some other reason - immaturity? insensitivity? that's just how it is... - than being tired.