Fireworks, Festivities and Fun: Celebrate the 4th of July Safely

The 4th of July holiday is just around the corner! It’s a day to celebrate the history of the United States, however, it’s also a day of celebration, and with festivities always come safety risks.

FIREWORKS

When you think of July 4th, the first thing that comes to most people’s minds is fireworks. When used improperly, fireworks can be extremely dangerous. Remember that many, if not all, types of fireworks are illegal in most cities throughout Los Angeles County, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties. Be sure to check your city ordinances for more information.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 9,700 people were treated in emergency rooms for firework related injuries, and eight people died from fireworks in 2023.

If fireworks are legal in your area, here are some guidelines that you should follow to stay safe:

• Never let children play with fireworks, even sparklers
• Keep a garden hose or water bucket nearby in case of accidents
• Move a safe distance away after lighting fireworks
• Never attempt to relight or handle a faulty firework, soak it with water and throw it away
• Never use fireworks under the influence of drugs or alcohol

FALLS

We’ve all taken a stumble at least once in our lives, but falls can be especially dangerous for those who are less physically fit or have certain limitations. July 4th is full of extra fall hazards that you should be wary of.

Falls can cause a wide variety of injuries, ranging from bruises and scratches to fractures and spinal injuries, which can lead to life altering conditions, like chronic pain, paralysis, or brain damage. We urge you to be aware of the many fall hazards that are more prevalent during this holiday.

Fall Hazards:

• Watching firework shows from your roofs or balcony
• Using ladders to set up decorations
• Trampolines
• Wet, slippery surfaces from spilled drinks or pool water
• Objects obstructing walkways such as hoses, electrical cords, toys, sprinklers, etc.

Fall Prevention Tips

• Always have someone to hold a ladder steady
• Always supervise children using trampolines, use trampolines with safety nets
• Quickly clean wet surfaces when noticed or set up caution signs
• Keep walkways clear and well illuminated
• Remember that drugs and alcohol greatly increase the risk of falls

WATER SAFETY

Pool, lake, river and beach parties are synonymous with July 4th festivities here in Southern California. Did you know that drowning is the number one cause of unintentional deaths in children ages 1-4?

Drowning can happen quickly and silently, even in a couple of inches of water, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions.

• Always have a “water watcher,” a responsible adult watching the water at all times
• Fence or gate the pool
• Have children wear bright, contrasting colors and avoid colors that will blend in with water, such as white, blue, or pastel colors
• Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest
• Enroll children in swim lessons – having simple, basic water safety skills can save their life
• Learn CPR – visit the American Red Cross website to find a class near you.

Remember that none of these precautions are replacements for “water watchers.”

As the designated Water Watcher, I agree to supervise the children in the open water or pool, keeping them in sight at all times. I will not leave the water area without finding an adult to replace me. I will stay off of my cell phone, not consume drugs or alcohol while on duty and know to call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.

Keeping friends and family healthy and happy is the best way to have a good time. Let’s all have an exciting, festive 4th of July weekend!