Celebrate Safely This July 4th

July 4th Weekend:   The July 4th weekend of 2025 (Friday, July 4th) is a time for celebration, reflection, and community.

To ensure our festivities remain joyous and safe, it's crucial to remember that a little caution goes a long way, especially when it comes to fireworks, grilling, and other common holiday activities.

Fireworks Safety: Sparklers Can Be Dangerous Too!

While professional fireworks displays offer dazzling entertainment, personal fireworks carry significant risks. In 2024, there were 11 reported fireworks-related deaths and an estimated 14,700 injuries, a sharp increase from the previous year. Hands and fingers, and the head, face, and ears, are the most frequently injured body parts, with burns being the most common injury type. Even sparklers, often seen as harmless, burn at extremely high temperatures (around 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit) and were responsible for half of the estimated injuries in children under 5 in 2023.

To avoid becoming a statistic, always prioritize safety with the following guidelines:

Legal Compliance is Key: Only purchase and use fireworks that are legal in your specific area and are clearly labeled for consumer use. Check local regulations before you buy.

Maintain a Safe Distance: Use fireworks outdoors in a clear, open space, far away from buildings, vehicles, and anything flammable. Viewers should be at least 35 feet away for ground-based fireworks and a minimum of 150 feet for aerial fireworks.

Adult Supervision is Non-Negotiable: Never allow children, including teenagers, to handle or ignite any fireworks, especially sparklers.

Handle with Care: Never hold fireworks in your hand while lighting them. Keep all body parts away from the fuse.

One at a Time: Light only one firework at a time and move away quickly.

Duds are Dangerous: Never attempt to relight a firework that hasn't fully ignited. Douse it with water and dispose of it safely.

Be Prepared: Always have a bucket of water or a hose nearby for emergencies.

Protect Your Eyes: Wear safety glasses when handling fireworks.

Know Your Limits: Never use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Proper Storage: Store fireworks in a cool, dry place, away from children and pets.

Consider Alternatives: For children, glow sticks or noisemakers offer a safer way to celebrate.

Professional Displays are Safest: Attending public fireworks displays put on by trained professionals is always the safest option for enjoying the spectacle.

Pet Safety: Keeping Our Furry Friends Calm and Secure

The loud noises and bright flashes of fireworks can be incredibly frightening for pets, leading to anxiety, panic, and even escape. July 4th is consistently one of the busiest days for animal shelters due to pets running away in fear. Take these steps to ensure your pet's safety and comfort:

Keep Them Indoors: This is the golden rule. Even if your pet is usually an outdoor animal, bring them inside during fireworks displays. The sounds can be disorienting and cause them to bolt, even from a seemingly secure yard.

Create a Safe Haven: Designate a quiet, escape-proof room or crate where your pet can retreat. Close windows and curtains to muffle sounds and block out flashes. Provide their favorite bed, toys, and fresh water. Playing calming music or turning on a fan, TV, or white noise machine can help mask the sounds of fireworks.

Update ID and Microchip Information: Ensure your pet is wearing a collar with up-to-date ID tags. If your pet is microchipped, double-check that your contact information in the microchip registry is current. This significantly increases the chances of a reunion if they do manage to get lost.

Exercise Early: Give your dog a long walk or engage in vigorous play earlier in the day to help tire them out. A well-exercised pet may be calmer when the festivities begin.

Consult Your Vet: If your pet has a history of severe anxiety with loud noises, speak to your veterinarian well in advance about potential solutions. They may recommend calming supplements, anti-anxiety medications, or suggest strategies like a "ThunderShirt" or calming pheromone diffusers/collars.

Avoid Table Scraps: Resist the urge to share your holiday feast with your pets. Many human foods, like onions, chocolate, grapes, and even fatty meats, can be toxic or cause severe digestive upset.

Supervise Outdoor Time: If your pet absolutely must go outside for a quick potty break during the evening, keep them on a leash and stay with them. Double-check that all gates and fences are securely latched.

No Fireworks for Pets: Never, ever light fireworks around your pets. The noise and potential for injury are extreme.

Check Your Yard: After fireworks have concluded, thoroughly check your yard for any debris, unexploded fireworks, or fallen wires before letting your pets back outside. Curious animals may try to investigate or ingest these dangerous items.

Stay Calm: Your pet can pick up on your emotions. If you remain calm and reassuring, it can help them feel more secure.

Beyond Fireworks: Holistic Holiday Safety

The July 4th weekend often involves more than just fireworks. Keep these additional safety tips in mind for a truly safe and enjoyable holiday:

Grilling Safety: July is the peak month for grill-related fires. Always supervise your grill, keep it at least three feet away from your home and flammable materials, and ensure children and pets are kept at a safe distance. Clean your grill regularly to prevent grease fires.

Food Safety: Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. Perishable items should be kept at or below 40°F in a cooler with plenty of ice. Use a food thermometer to ensure meats are cooked to safe internal temperatures. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods.

Water Safety: If you're spending time near water, always supervise children and inexperienced swimmers. Designate a "water watcher" to maintain constant attention. Ensure young children and weak swimmers wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.

Heat Safety: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty. Seek air-conditioned spaces during the hottest parts of the day. Never leave anyone, including pets, in a parked car, as temperatures can rise rapidly.

Traffic Safety: The July 4th holiday period consistently ranks among the deadliest on U.S. roadways. In 2023, 617 people died in traffic crashes, with 38% of those fatalities involving drunk driving. If you plan to drink, designate a sober driver or use ride-sharing services. Avoid distracted driving and obey all traffic laws.

By taking these precautions, we can all contribute to a safer and more enjoyable July 4th weekend in 2025, celebrating our nation's independence with peace of mind

WNCTimes

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