Firework Safety Tips for the Elderly
Caregiver in Hudsonville MI
The Fourth of July is rapidly approaching, which means the dark night sky will be filled with colorful streaks and sparks left by fireworks. They are often exciting to watch for people of all ages, but
can also be extremely dangerous. Older adults are often not as mobile as younger generations, which may cause them to get injured with fireworks since they are unable to move away from them as quickly.
If your loved one has a health condition that makes it especially challenging to stay safe around fireworks, an elderly care professional may be needed to assist in keeping them safe at all times. All of June is Fireworks Safety Month, so take these precautions for your elderly parent when planning for Fourth of July.
- Research local laws. Some areas prohibit the use of commercial fireworks, so it is important to know if this law applies to the area you live in before purchasing fireworks.
- Use glow sticks instead of sparklers. Sparklers are easy and fun to use without the loud explosion of regular fireworks. However, they can also be a danger to your elderly loved one since they burn at over 1,000°, making it easy for seniors to burn themselves. A fun and safe alternative to sparklers are glow sticks. You can get them in patriotic colors and will allow your loved one to still celebrate the holiday without the dangers of holding a sparkler.
- Stand back. Fireworks do not always go as planned. In some cases, they may fly sideways instead of up, becoming extremely dangerous for the elder to stand near. Even if the fireworks go in the air as they are supposed to do, pieces may still fall to the ground, such as ash or sparks. These small fragments could actually cause a fire or burn through clothing. The best way to keep them safe is to have them keep their distance by standing as far back as possible.
- Do not be fooled by failed fireworks. Some fireworks may not detonate, looking as if they are not going to leave the ground at all. Even if they do not detonate right away, they may suddenly shoot up from the ground, causing anyone who comes near it to become seriously injured. If a firework seems broken, make sure all children and older adults are away from the area and smother it with water to ensure it does not suddenly detonate.
The Fourth of July is a fun time to get together with family and friends, but can also be dangerous when fireworks are involved. Use these ideas to keep your loved one safe.
If you or someone you know needs help with caregiver services in Hudsonville MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
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