The 4th of July is a day for fun, celebration, and family. We at Xplora want you and your family to have a great celebration while staying safe. Before you fire up the grill, go to watch the fireworks, head to your local beach, or get together to watch the Independence Day parade, we encourage you to talk to your children about staying safe during the celebrations. We also wish to remind you that in most places, private fireworks are illegal and that you should always follow state laws and regulations.
Fireworks
While fireworks are a lot of fun, they also cause injuries to thousands of Americans every year. In 2021, 74% of fireworks-related injuries occurred in the weeks before and after the 4th of July (Learn more). Staying safe around fireworks is crucial to both adults and children! As previously mentioned, most places don’t allow private fireworks, and Xplora’s top tip is to find a place in your area where there is an organized firework show. That way you and your family can enjoy the experience without having to deal with any of the dangers or planning involved.
If you do decide to ignite some fireworks yourself, then remember to…
- Always wear safety glasses intended for fireworks
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, at all times
- Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Always point fireworks away from people, buildings, animals etc. before lighting them
- Quickly move away from the fireworks after lighting them, and make sure that those watching are at a safe distance
- Protect your hearing! There are plenty of ‘silent’ fireworks these days, but it’s always smart to cover your ears just in case
- Make sure that fireworks are legal in your area, and that you purchase fireworks intended for regular consumer use
- When cleaning up, make sure that all fireworks are properly soaked in water before throwing them away
Visit CPSC for more fireworks safety tips.
Water activities
Between barbeques, fireworks, and picnics, we want to remind you to be safe around water this holiday. Playing in the water is a lot of fun, especially for children. In order to keep your kids safe, make sure that you always have designated ‘water watchers’: whenever there are children around or in the water, there should always be at least one adult watching. Try to go to a place where there are lifeguards working as well, for some extra peace of mind. Remind your kids that there should be absolutely no pushing in or around the water and that running on wet surfaces is a no-go. If anybody wants to jump into the water, then remember to check the depth and if there are any warning signs or other important information around.
Remember to remove your Xplora smartwatch before getting in the water!
Don’t forget!
- Bring water with you, wherever you go. Stay hydrated, especially if you’re spending the day at your local pool or beach.
- Have some tasty, nutritious snacks easily available. We don’t want anybody to get ‘hangry’ or low on energy on such a festive day.
- Apply sunscreen before leaving your home, and bring it with you to reapply throughout the day. This is especially important to remember if you’re sweating a lot or having a swim.
- 4th of July can get noisy, whether you’re watching the fireworks or attending a parade. Bring some earplugs with you, to protect your hearing.
- Remember to charge your Xplora smartwatch before heading out for the day! Our X6Play will let you keep track of your kids wherever they are, giving you as a parent some extra peace of mind.
Written by: Nora Netteland
