How to Teach Children Proper Fireworks Safety

The fourth of July is celebrated throughout the United States with cook outs, events, family get-togethers, the list could go on and on. With most of these celebrations comes the fun and excitement of fireworks. Adults and children alike enjoy seeing the bright colors and hearing the loud explosions. But every year many kids and adults are harmed when they do not follow or do not know the safety precautions that should be followed when lighting and being around fireworks. Here are a few tips you can use to teach your child the proper fireworks safety.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• child
• time
• patience

1. The first thing you need to do is explain that fireworks are fun but can be extremely dangerous. Tell your child that even the smallest firework is an explosive and that it could backfire or explode at anytime. Make sure they understand what could happen to them if this happens. You can explain to a small child that they could get burned and to an older child you can explain what would happen to them if they got burned. I know it sounds gory, but the more honest you are the better.
2. Next, explain to your child that the adults will be lighting the majority of the fireworks. I recommend that only adults light the fireworks but if you would like your child to participate then explain which ones they will be allowed to light and teach them the proper way to do so.
3. Make sure your child knows the boundaries in the fireworks area. Let them know where they can be to watch the fireworks without being too close to the action. Tell them that they must be aware at all times of where the fireworks are being lit. Make sure your child understands that they should only light the fireworks they have been given permission to do and that you or another designated adult should be with them when they light them. Also let them know they should NEVER throw a lit firework or place a firework in the path of another person. That would be extremely dangerous.
4. Also be sure and let your child know that they should never place a firework in a glass or metal container. Those types of containers could explode and send shards of glass everywhere injuring anyone in the area. Use a plastic bottle or PVC pipe when placing fireworks for lighting. Also tell your child that after a firework has been lit it should never be lit again. It is probably a dud and could easily backfire if it has a malfunction.
5. Lastly explain to your child that they should keep their body behind the fireworks at all times. whether they are lighting them or just watching. Also explain they should light fireworks one at time and never try to create their own "homemade" fireworks.

Tips & Warnings

• It is a good idea to wear eye protection when lighting fireworks. Your eyes will be protected in case of an accident.
• Keep an eye on your children at all times and be sure to let other adults know the rules for your children's safety. Some adults would let your child light fireworks while you may not want them to.
• Kids do dumb things, especially teenagers. Make sure you keep your fireworks in a safe place, out of reach.