Watching the annual Fourth of July fireworks display is a long-standing tradition for many American families. To make the most of the event, however, you and your children need to take certain safety precautions.
Ask any eye doctor and they’ll tell you that fireworks-related injuries are as common as the fireworks displays that are held on the Fourth of July. In fact, there are over 6,000 firework-related injuries that happen annually between June 18 and July 18, and 20% of those are eye injuries.
This doesn’t mean you should cancel this cherished tradition, however. By taking a few precautions, you and your family can enjoy this holiday safely.
Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic, a top eye doctor in the state, shares some eye safety tips below.
Keep Young Kids Away From Sparklers
Sparklers may seem harmless enough—but they’re not. Sparklers can reach temperatures of up to 1,800°F (982°C), the melting point for gold, and can cause serious harm. Children under the age of 12 should never play with sparklers, and even older children should only do so under adult supervision.
Let Professionals Set Up the Fireworks Display
If you and your family decide to hold your own fireworks display, it’s best to let a professional set it up for you. When it comes to something as risky as fireworks, it’s best to stay on the safe side.
During the display, you should stand at least 500 feet away from the fireworks. Sparks aren’t the only thing to watch out for; smoke from the ignition can irritate your eyes and lungs.
Keep an Eye on Your Kids at All Times
There’s a chance other people are having their own Fourth of July celebrations nearby, and your kids may wander off. Make sure your children remain in sight at all times. If an unexploded firework is found, contact the police or fire department immediately; never attempt to handle the device yourself.
Of course, even with all these precautions, you can never know what might happen. That’s why it’s always a good idea to know the number of a general physician or an eye doctor.
Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic offers a wide range of eye care services. To set up an appointment with one of our eye specialists, call (425) 485-0430 or (425) 771-8472. We serve homeowners in Kirkland and Redmond, WA.