Summer’s peak has arrived, and with it, America’s favorite day for a barbecue, fireworks, and afternoon parties that spill into the evening. However, with every adult celebration, there are severe risks for children – in fact, July 4th is considered the most dangerous holiday of the year by many safety organizations. Of all holidays, July 4th is the third likeliest to see pediatric injuries and is one of the most dangerous days of the year for drivers.
Are you planning on partying it up this weekend? There are plenty of safe, thoughtful ways to be playful and relaxed this 4th of July. However, for parents and guardians of young children, it helps to think twice about the safety component of every activity. Ask yourself, are there risks that could somehow injure my child? Because this is a holiday with a track record for putting kids in harm’s way, it is worth being extra cautious. Here are a few ways to be vigilant and proactive so that you can fully enjoy your festivities.
- Clean your grill ahead of time. This may seem like a no-brainer, but believe it or not, grilling-related fires skyrocket during July. A dirty grill is a fire hazard – especially for gas grills. Be sure that your grill is outdoors in a big, open area, and do not let kids come within three feet of the grill. If you’re working with a coal grill, be sure to keep the kids far away well after the grilling ends, as coals will remain hot for over an hour after the fire has gone out.
- Don’t leave food out in the sun. Fruit, veggies, potato salad, you name it – no matter how delicious, food that is left sitting out is a risk, especially on hot days, when bacteria can quickly spread and turn a yummy meal into a recipe for food poisoning. If the sun is out and the food has been sweating on the table for more than 30 minutes, it’s best to avoid it.
- Be mindful of sun protection. We know – as with any summer day, kids want to be outdoors on a holiday! On July 4th, families and kids tend to be out in the sun for long stretches of time than what they’re used to. If possible, avoid direct sunshine between 10 am and 4 pm, when the sun’s rays are the most intense. Slather lots of sunscreen on your child – and reapply every 2 hours or so, especially if they plan to sweat, swim, or get wet in sprinklers. Hats and sunglasses are also a great way to protect kids from the hot afternoon sun. Plus, they’ll feel cool wearing them!
- Speaking of swimming… Pool safety is something we take seriously at Maryvale. During 4th of July celebrations, it can be tempting to let kids have free reign of the pool. Always designate a water-watcher, whether or not a lifeguard is present, to keep an eye on children in your party. If you’re taking a toddler to swim, be sure to remain within arm’s reach.
- Keep your drink in sight. If alcohol is on the table, be sure to keep an eye on kids. Small children might accidentally take a swig of a mixed drink – or older kids might seek an opportunity to test their limits when the adults around are less attentive.
- Leave the fireworks to the pros. As the day fades into evening, families start to get excited about fireworks displays. Tempting as it might be to set off a firecracker, think hard about the risks involved. This momentary thrill can cause serious damage to kids’ fingers, hands, eyes, and ears. Hundreds of people go to the hospital every July with firework-related injuries – and fireworks are responsible for causing several deaths each year. Parents would likely never dream of handing their kids explosives on any other day – the 4th of July should be no exception. That said, sparklers are generally considered a safe alternative to other fireworks, so long as adults supervise kids with sparklers. If you happen to find yourself at a party where fireworks are involved, be sure to light them away from other people, and be aware that fireworks can backfire or move in unexpected ways. Fireworks and sparklers alike should never be lit or thrown in brush, grass, or leaves, and they should be fully extinguished or submerged in water before you throw them away.
- Stay off the roads at night. There are more drunk drivers on the road on the 4th of July than almost any other night of the year. As much as you can, stay off the roads after dark – and if you have to drive, be sure to secure your child in their seatbelt or car seat, and be ready to drive slowly and defensively.
With some extra care and common sense, the 4th of July can remain a fun-filled holiday for the entire family. At Maryvale, we believe in setting kids up to thrive. Learn more about how we work with infants and young children through our early education program.
