Remember the three Cs for a safe, fun holiday
When it comes to celebrating the 4th of July holiday weekend it is important to remember the three Cs — caution, courtesy, and common sense.
Fireworks are inherently dangerous. This is, in part, what makes them fun for many people. Plumes of fire, explosions and loud bangs can be a literal blast if used properly and with the appropriate level of caution.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission 14,700 people were treated at emergency rooms with fireworks injuries in 2024 including 11 deaths. Of those injuries 22% were to the head, face or ears with 36% to hands and fingers.
Use fireworks with caution, especially around young people or those who are impaired due to drinking. Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
Fireworks industry representatives say the best practices is to have a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of fire or mishap and they emphasize that people should never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
At the same time as people must use caution when it comes to setting off fireworks and other 4th of July activities, it is also essential to be courteous this holiday weekend. While you may be having a great time with loud partying into the wee hours of the morning, your neighbor who has to go to work the next day or who has small children may not appreciate it quite as much.
In addition to keeping the noise levels down, being courteous also applies to setting off fireworks in your backyard. Accidentally setting your neighbor’s house on fire with your fireworks is never acceptable and could land you in legal trouble.
Likewise, be aware that many including veterans with PTSD and animal owners would appreciate not having their neighborhoods sound like war zones every 4th of July weekend.
The other key for a successful 4th of July holiday weekend is to bring along your common sense to whatever party or celebration you are attending. Just because you are on vacation, at a lake or cabin or anywhere else, doesn’t mean you should forget the basics when it comes to being aware of the situation and making good choices.
A holiday weekend stops being fun when you have to call an ambulance or when you get stopped by law enforcement for making poor choices on the roads. The difference between a great time of building lasting positive memories and a tragedy can be measured in the fraction of a second.
It is essential to keep the caution, courtesy and common sense at the forefront as you celebrate this holiday weekend and all the weekends left of the summer.
