'Tis the season.
No, this isn't about a Christmas in July thing. It is about the North Texas tradition of buying kids fireworks in the weeks before the 4th of July.
Unfortunately, the tradition isn't just about kids having fun with fireworks, it is also about kids getting life-threatening injuries and burns. In fact, the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control reports that there were over 9,000 injuries that needed to be treated in emergency rooms because of fireworks. And almost half of these injuries are to kids under age 14.
Does that mean that you need to be safer as you let your kids play with fireworks, maybe supervising them a little closer and keeping a bucket of water close at hand in case they get burned?
No, it means leaving fireworks to professionals and taking your kids to a fireworks show. You are keeping your kids safe, not depriving them, by not buying them fireworks.
We are fortunate in the North Texas area to have plenty of professional fireworks show to see, including the:
- City of Rockwall Fireworks Show at Harry Myers Park
- "Stars on the Water" Fireworks Show at Chandler's Landing
- Royse City 4th of July Parade & Fireworks Show
- Star Spangled Fourth at Firewheel Town Center
- Fair Park Fourth - The Official City of Dallas fireworks show
- Kaboom Town in Addison on July 3rd
This year, instead of heading to your local fireworks stand, join the Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks, a group of health and safety organizations, coordinated by National Fire Protection Association, that urges people to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and to instead enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals.
Still thinking of buying your kids fireworks?
Do you understand the risks, which the American Academy of Pediatrics states can include devastating burns, other injuries, fires and even death?
How will you spend your 4th of July, in the ER with your child or watching a fireworks show?
