There’s no big mystery as to why children are so drawn to fireworks. After all, they’re loud, colorful and associated with fun times. However, while children may get a kick out of watching them, they should never be allowed to handle them. As much as your kids may want to set off fireworks, allowing them to do so is extremely irresponsible and liable to result in a host of serious mishaps. Parents looking for effective ways to keep their little ones safe from firework-related accidents should heed the following pointers.
Purchase Fireworks Designed with Safety in Mind
There’s no denying that every type of firework carries some degree of risk. Still, this isn’t to say that all fireworks are created equal. While some firework manufacturers regard safety as all-important, others essentially treat it as an afterthought. So, the next time you’re looking to buy roman candles or any other type of firework, take some time to research various brands. Doing your due diligence before making a purchase can play a big role in keeping your kids safe.
Furthermore, regardless of brand, you should never purchase fireworks that are intended for professional displays. Professional-grade fireworks are considerably more powerful than regular fireworks and can prove extremely dangerous when placed in the hands of non-pros. So, even if you accidentally purchase fireworks of the nature, it is imperative that you avoid using them.
Safely Store Unused Fireworks
The last thing you want is your children gaining access to fireworks when you’re not around. As such, any unused fireworks in your home should be safely stored in places that are inaccessible to your little ones. Since you should never store fireworks in containers that can easily catch fire, abstain from placing them in paper bags, plastic bags or cardboard boxes. Instead, use containers made from plastic or metal and avoid overfilling them. Once you’ve selected suitable containers, place them in cool, dry areas that your children can’t access.
Don’t Give in to Begging
No matter how much your little ones beg and plead, they must never be allowed to set off fireworks. Even if you pride yourself on being a permissive parent, this is one area in which you can’t afford to compromise. So, regardless of how much pushback you receive, it is imperative that you stand firm in your convictions.
If excessive pushback becomes a problem, frankly explain the various safety risks associated with fireworks to your kids. Even if this fails to completely win them over, it should at least leave them with a better understanding of your rationale on the matter.
Don’t Let Your Children Approach Spent Fireworks
Even if a firework appears to be fully or partially ignited, your children shouldn’t be allowed to approach it. Fireworks that are seemingly spent often have some life left in them, and attempting to approach them before they’ve been thoroughly doused with water is likely to result in serious consequences. As such, neither you nor your little ones should go anywhere near used fireworks that haven’t been rigorously soaked. Furthermore, even after being doused, some fireworks have gas left under the hood, so the more caution you exercise, the better.
Don’t Let Your Children Play with Sparklers
Children running around with sparklers is a common sight at many festive gatherings. However, while sparklers may seem harmless enough, they actually burn much hotter than many people realize. Unbeknownst to many parents, sparklers can reach temperatures of nearly 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. To give you a better idea of how hot this is, said temperature can easily sear skin and melt a variety of metals. So, even if you’ve allowed your kids to have sparklers in the past, it’s in everyone’s best interest that you rethink this policy.
Children – and many adults, for that matter – are naturally enamored by the bright colors and loud noises fireworks produce. However, outside of observing them from a safe distance, your little ones should never have access to fireworks. Even if you think they’d be able to handle them responsibly, there’s simply too much at stake when it comes to kids and fireworks. So, regardless of how much pushback you get from your children, take care to stand firm in your convictions with regard to firework safety.
