MOM'S TALK: Kid & Teen Firework Safety

When you think of the Fourth of July, family fun comes to mind.

Picnics, barbeques, yummy food, playtime, laughter, and watching local fireworks displays.

When I was growing up in Tacoma, my Fourth of July holidays had all the elements of what was noted above: food, fun, fireworks. However, when it came to discharging  personal fireworks, that was another story.

My dad worked in local law enforcement. In the earlier days of his police career, he worked Tacoma's waterfront on the Fourth of July in uninform during the city celebration. Unfortunately, my dad witnessed lots of injuries due to mishandling fireworks.

He saw everything: minor- to-severe burn injuries, lots of property damage caused by irresponsible people using fireworks, etc. On several occasions, my dad narrowly escaped injury himself  when unruly Fourth of July revelers threw firecrackers at police cars and officers.

Not good. 

So, at my house, personal fireworks were very limited. I didn't have a lot of interest in firecrackers, but I had a younger brother who was. He was allowed only to use the safe and sane branded fireworks under strict adult supervision.

Today, I am the parent of an almost-teenage boy and a tween girl. My son particularly finds firecrackers fascinating. At our house, we try to emphasize the other parts of the holiday as opposed to firecrackers, much like my parents did with me.

But it's not always the easiest thing to do.

So, how do you keep kids and teens safe when it comes to personal fireworks?

First, let's look at the firework ordinances for our local area.

University Place:  Legal fireworks are allowed on the Fourth of July only during certain hours. Please see the link for more specifics.

Lakewood: Legal fireworks are allowed from July 3 through July 5 during certain hours only. Please click on the link to see the full ordinance.

Gig Harbor:  Legal fireworks can be used from June 28 through July 4. Please click on the aforementioned link to get the specific hours and other parts of this ordinance.

Steilacoom: Fireworks are banned and illegal in the Town of Steilacoom.

Tacoma: Fireworks are banned and illegal in the City of Tacoma.

Here are some excellent tips from the

Be Prepared….
before you light fireworks
Use legal fireworks, available at licensed outlets.
Store fireworks out of children’s reach.

Keep pets safe indoors.
Always keep water handy.

Be Safe….
when lighting fireworks
Only adults should light fireworks.
Only use outdoors.
Do not throw fireworks or hold in your hand.
Protect your eyes.
Light one firework at a time and move away quickly.
Never relight a “dud.”

Be Responsible….
after you finish
Soak used fireworks in water.
Be considerate - clean up used fireworks.
Keep matches and lighters away from children.

HAVE A SAFE AND FUN FOURTH OF JULY!

Parents, what other tips do you have to keep the holiday safe and fun?