July is National Firework Safety Month

July is National Firework Safety Month. In Chipola Healthy Start’s safety education topic and social determinant of health, we would like to bring awareness to the safe use of fireworks and the importance of community for children. Chipola Healthy Start hopes to help families avoid preventable firework related accidents and fatalities by providing education and discuss the importance of community to a young child.

Raising Awareness About Fireworks Safety

Long associated with Independence Day, the use of fireworks on other holidays, such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, and New Year’s Eve, is on the rise. Each year, thousands of firework related injuries are treated in emergency departments across the country. There are firework safety precautions that should be used year-round to avoid injuries.

Firework Use Safety Tips

Preparation:

Be sure those watching are at a safe distance from where fireworks are being ignited.

Never use homemade and/or illegal fireworks.

Clear away any dry vegetation and debris from the area before igniting any fireworks.

Always have a water source, full bucket of water and/or fire-extinguisher, close at hand.

While Celebrating:

Be sure those watching are at a safe distance from where fireworks are being ignited.

Use safety eyewear, glasses, or goggles, to protect your eyes while igniting fireworks.

Do not allow children to play with or light fireworks.

Sparklers should only be used under close adult supervision.

Clean Up:

Make sure fireworks are cold before handling and place all used fireworks into a bucket of water.

Clean up all debris.

Be sure matches, lighters and any unused fireworks are out of the sight and reach of children before, during and after your celebration.

Fireworks may be legal, but they can be dangerous. The National Safety Council advises everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals, and not to use any fireworks at home.

References:

http://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2014/07/070114-fireworks-safety.html

https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/fireworks

Home sweet home: The importance of a community

Social determinant- Housing

The creation of a local community in early childhood becomes the supportive, positive, uplifting foundation of a child's life. It helps them to learn about themselves. It helps them learn how to tackle challenges, build knowledge, and thrive. When thinking about housing, it is important to form Healthy relationships with those in your community. This summer, encourage your family to participate in community events with other families, like 4th of July fireworks. Special community events like these create cherished memories for your kids and they help to build your child’s support system.