Fourth of July can be a fun day for families, but if also offers a lot of possibilities for preventable accidents. Emergency rooms are kept very busy on the fourth as kids find ways to get into all kinds of trouble. Most states have outlawed firecrackers and other dangerous fireworks. In Southern California, many people still go to Mexico to buy fireworks. They can be fun and beautiful, but if you have seen a child with part of his hand destroyed by a firecracker, eye injuries and other problems, as a parent you would be careful about letting your children near firecrackers.
Water safety is also something to be careful about. Many parents take their children to the beach, a lake, or a swimming pool. Unless a parent or grandparent keeps a constant eye on children, these can offer problems. One family left their teenage son to watch after his younger brother, but the minute he was not watching, the little child drowned. The family went through a terrible time and the parents finally divorced. I am not sure the teenager ever recovered. I have a community pool near me where my good older neighbors say they are the ones who often have to watch out for the little children because the parents are too busy reading or talking. I am always amazed when I hear accounts like this. So it is better to be over cautious on the fourth if you have children. Teens, too, can get into trouble if they are in a car with an inexperienced driver. Having a family barbecue or picnic is probably the best way to keep the teens out of trouble! They can invite their friends and as parents you know they are safe.
Comments