2020 Fourth of July Celebrations
Ways to Celebrate this Year
While most Fireworks Shows have been cancelled for 2020, that doesn’t mean you and the family can’t celebrate!
Check out the following articles for ways you can celebrate at home. And make sure to stay connected with your local Parks and Recreation Department for any updates that they may have on public shows.
• 7 Explosive Independence Day Traditions
Fireworks Safety
“Bombs bursting in air” is an Independence Day tradition, but unfortunately many family festivities are ruined when someone becomes seriously injured. It’s estimated that 9,600 people were treated for fireworks-related injuries in 2004, and a majority of the injuries from the legal “consumer” or family-type fireworks involved misuse rather than malfunction. However, illegal fireworks continue to be a serious problem. Over the past 10 years, 30-33 percent of the injuries associated with fireworks have typically been caused by illegal explosives or homemade fireworks such as M-80s, M-100s and blockbusters—these are not fireworks, they’re federally banned explosives! To help you celebrate safely this Fourth of July, the National Council on Fireworks Safety offers the following tips:
• Always read and follow label directions.
• Have an adult present.
• Buy from reliable sellers and stay away from illegal explosives.
• Use outdoors only and always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
• Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Never re-light a “dud” firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).
• If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
• Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trash can.
• Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
• The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body held over the firework.