Each year in the U.S., about 7 people die from injuries related to fireworks, and almost 10,000 get treated in emergency rooms. “Of those treated, 42% suffer burns, 19% suffer eye injuries and 22% suffer injuries to their head, face and ears. “If you do choose to use fireworks, always read and follow warning labels, wear safety glasses, never light with people nearby, avoid looking down canisters, never let children play with fireworks and never point at other people,’’ says UCHealth’s Dr. Nathan Hamburger. “If you are injured, immediately seek help from the emergency department.” Better still, enjoy a professional display from a safe distance. #FireworksSafety
Tag: celebration
Don’t Create Litter with Fireworks Debris
If you’re planning on having an amateur #fireworks display to celebrate the #Fourth of July, remember that the cardboard, plastic and other debris they leave after igniting is #trash. Left unswept, that #litter can make itself into the ecosystem and become an eyesore, a health hazard and a danger to marine life. “Leftover trash from fireworks can pose major risks to marine animals when it enters the ocean,” the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says. “If you launch it, pick it up” — or join a post-Fourth of July cleanup to keep litter in check. #FireworksSafety
Examine the Alternatives to Fireworks
#Fireworks displays can go from dazzling to dangerous when they hit dry kindling, says Inside Climate News. Fireworks start thousands of accidental fires nationwide every year, including an estimated 18,500 on the #Fourth of July mostly from fireworks mishaps or campfires. With climate change making many locations hotter and drier, fireworks use is getting more risky. Many fire departments — especially in the hot, dry Western states — are trying to phase out fireworks and replace them with synchronized drone displays and other entertainments. Consider the alternatives when celebrating! #FireworksSafety
Even Legal Fireworks Can Be Dangerous
#Fireworks laws vary by state, but any form of firework can be dangerous if used carelessly. Sparklers account for the largest percentage (14%) of fireworks injuries annually — more than mortar-style shells and firecrackers. To keep your Fourth of July festivities safe, never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, says the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Light fireworks one at a time and step back to a safe distance quickly. Never attempt to relight or pick up a firework that fails to ignite. And keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of fire or mishaps. #FireworksSafety
Do a Pre-Holiday Decluttering
It may be hard to believe, but the #holidays are right around the corner! Two weeks from now, you’ll be enjoying a #Thanksgiving feast; then, it’s on to the big shopping and gift grabs of the Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa season.
Do yourself a favor, and #declutter ahead of those holiday events. Whether you’re going to be hosting or not, #streamlining your home and weeding out your extra #stuff will help you get ready for seasonal #celebrations with less stress.
Start with the #kitchen. You may be baking cookies, contributing a side dish to the potluck or hosting a family feast. Go through your cabinets and drawers, and pull out anything that’s broken, cracked or chipped. #Trash and #recycle these items immediately.
If you find anything you haven’t used in more than a year or is ever-so-slightly less than perfect but still could be of use to someone, set it aside in a box or bag and #schedule a #free #donation #pickup with ClothingDonations.org.
Before you know it, your kitchen will be streamlined and ready to churn out that green-bean casserole or roast turkey with no fuss. Why? Because you’ll be able to find the cooking tools, serving dishes and dinnerware you need quickly because you’ve eliminated the #clutter!
Next, do the same thing as you get any #holiday #décor items out of #storage. Are some of your table linens worn and stained? Are those strings of twinkly lights half-lit? Clean and fix them if you can, and #trash them if you can’t. And again, you can #donate anything that no longer makes the cut.
“I love a good declutter before the holiday season,” professional organizer Carly Adams told Real Simple. “The best time to #declutter and #tidy the spaces you’ll be using to #host guests is before the social expectations of the holidays are here.”
Prepare your home for the holidays now! With a quick #decluttering, you’ll be able to everything you really need faster, reduce the stress surrounding holiday gatherings and have a happier holiday season. #HolidayDeclutttering