As the celebration of our nation’s independence, the Fourth of July is a summer milestone. Picnics, parades, festivals and fireworks usually mark the day that is spent with friends and family. While accidents and injuries happen every year, for 2020 there are a few extra things to keep in mind to be sure you are able to safely celebrate the holiday.
Fireworks
With some cities and organizations cancelling their annual firework show, more people may be turning to their own backyards to see those “bombs bursting in air” this year. While fireworks are fun to watch, they can be very dangerous for both children and adults if not handled properly. In 2018 the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that fireworks resulted in more than 9,000 injuries seen in Emergency Rooms, with more than half of those occurring in the weeks around the Fourth of July. Each year about one third of all fireworks injuries are to children. Common injuries from fireworks include burns, cuts and eye injuries.
Riverside’s Emergency Rooms and Urgent Care offices are here to help with any emergencies that occur, but a better plan is to avoid needing that help on July Fourth. Take steps to make sure everyone stays safe around fireworks. As even sparklers can cause serious burns, one safe and fun alternative is to let young children play with glow sticks instead.
Some important fireworks safety tips:
- Be sure fireworks are permitted where you live or where you are celebrating the holiday
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks
- Never re-light fireworks or pick up ones that have not ignited fully
- Keep a garden hose or bucket of water nearby in case of fire
- Light only one firework at a time and be sure to back away quickly
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers
- Be sure the fireworks are pointed away from any people
Water Safety
Many people celebrate the holiday near the water – whether that is around a backyard pool, on a beach or out on a boat. If your celebration takes you near the water, there are several important safety tips to keep in mind.
- Drowning can be fast and silent. According to the American Red Cross, a child can drown in one inch of water in only 20 seconds. Designate an adult to be in charge of watching everyone at all times. And, be sure to use those life jackets!
- Take care to protect your skin from the sun. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing a broad spectrum sunscreen (one that protects against UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of 30 or higher. When outdoors, reapply sunscreen about every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
- Stay hydrated. The high temperatures keep everyone sweating this time of year, which means everyone needs to drink more water. Also – keep in mind that alcoholic beverages make people more dehydrated, so be sure to drink a lot of water throughout the day.
Crowds and COVID-19
This year COVID-19 adds an extra challenge to the holiday. While the holiday may be a long weekend, unfortunately it is not a vacation from being cautious about the virus. As people can be contagious before they show any symptoms, it is important to be cautious even if everyone seems healthy. And, anyone who is showing any signs of illness should stay home this year. While celebrating at home is still the safest way to celebrate, for those still planning to attend parties, there are some important things to keep in mind.
- Anyone feeling ill should stay home.
- Face coverings are very important and should be worn to decrease the chance of transmitting germs to others.
- Maintain a safe social distance, and gather in smaller groups when possible. Also try to stay outside at these parties instead of being indoors.
- Continue to wash hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
- Consider a “Bring Your Own Everything” party so each family arrives with their own drinks and food if possible.
New Traditions
If your regular way of celebrating the holiday isn’t an option this year, consider trying some new traditions with your family or neighbors.
- Pull out the “old-fashioned” summer fun games like the garden hose, sprinklers and super soakers in the backyard.
- Neighborhood driveway competitions – set up each family in their own driveway to take turns at classic fun with half of a cornhole set, keeping a balloon in the air or a three-legged race across the lawn.
- Find a scavenger hunt in your neighborhood or in a park. The lists of things to find could be anything from painted rocks and crab pots to pine cones and squirrels.
- Fireworks on the screen – after a day of outdoor fun in the sun, head inside for the fireworks on TV. This year instead of fighting off mosquitos or traffic you can be chilling out on the couch with popsicles or cold watermelon.
Stay Safe
Riverside wants everyone to have a fun and safe holiday. If something does happen and you or a loved one needs medical care, know that Riverside is here to help.
- For any medical emergencies, call 911.
- Riverside Emergency Departments at each hospital are open 24/7 in Newport News, Williamsburg, Gloucester, Tappahannock and Onancock.
- M.D. Express offers urgent care services from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. in Newport News, Hampton, York County, Williamsburg, Gloucester and Tappahannock.
- Riverside Nurse phone line where you can talk with a registered nurse trained in telephone triage who will answer your symptom-based questions 24/7. Call 757-595-6363 or toll-free 1-800-675-6368.
