When you think of the summertime, there are probably a lot of things that immediately come to mind. Those are going to the beach, laying out in the sun, having a cookout, and celebrating Independence Day on the 4th of July. The 4th of July is a day to celebrate and honor the United States of America and the freedoms it provides its citizens. Traditionally, in the evening, fireworks light up the sky for hours with their beauty. While celebrating the 4th of July is typically a fun event, safety should still be top of mind at all times. Fortunately, the whole month of July just so happens to be National Firework Safety Month. Although many firework parties across the country have been shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. But July is the perfect opportunity to educate yourself on all the ways to stay safe while enjoying using fireworks.

We’ve compiled a list of fireworks safety tips and a few things you can do. Carrying the Silent Beacon wearable panic button with you at all times and avoiding large crowds. In this way, You will stay safe and maintain firework safety with your friends, family, or whoever you chose to celebrate with this 4th of July. 

#1 Have a Plan in Place

This year, because of COVID-19, many large 4th of July parties featuring fireworks are canceled. This means that many people will most likely end up resorting to having socially distanced 4th of July gatherings in their own backyards. This also likely means that more people may want to celebrate by setting off fireworks in their own backyards or neighborhoods. Fireworks can be dangerous. It’s best for professionals to set them off in open spaces where people can observe them from a safe distance. However, if you and your friends or family plan on lighting fireworks in your backyards be sure to research how to do so safely.

Almost all 50 states have legalized the use of fireworks. However, each one has its own set of restrictions on both fireworks and related products, like sparklers. Before deciding to purchase or use fireworks, make sure that you look into the laws and restrictions that your state has in place. Be mindful of firework instructions and warnings. You need to have a larger plan in place that maximizes the safety of everyone there. Identify someone who is experienced with fireworks to set them off. And put a plan in place in the case that something were to go wrong. It’s essential to be sure that onlookers are far away from the fireworks. So that you are able to enjoy the fireworks while minimizing any and all safety risks.

#2 Avoid Large Crowds

In coronavirus, large events that involve gatherings of people such as concerts, sporting events and parties have become somewhat obsolete. The media and public officials have advised and encouraged that we avoid them in order to further prevent the spread of the virus. Traditionally, the 4th of July is a holiday that is celebrated out in public surrounded by a sea of people. However, this year it may be best that you try and avoid those crowds as best fireworks safety tips.

#3 Keep the Silent Beacon Wearable Panic Button with You at All Times

While many fireworks parties and Independence Day festivals have been canceled because of the pandemic. People are most likely still going to use fireworks. It’s important that you take the necessary precautions to keep yourself safe, like carrying the Silent Beacon with you. This will be your best fireworks safety tips. Silent Beacon is a personal panic button that calls any number including 911 while sending multiple people your live GPS location. This will essentially allowing for you to send alerts and call for help instantly and at the same time. The device allows you to customize who you call for help.

Whether that’s 911, emergency services, a family member or friend, even phone numbers overseas. So no matter who you are with on the holiday, Silent Beacon will allow for you to reach whoever you want.

It uses your smartphone’s GPS to send your location in real-time via text, email, and push notifications to people who can help you in an emergency. This feature adds a whole extra layer of safety. Enabling contacts to find you if you’re incapacitated or unable to talk. Keeping the wearable panic button on your person at all times will prevent you from being in an unlikely situation without any means to get help.

#4 Preparing for the Pool

It’s not uncommon for many folks to decide to celebrate the 4th of July by sitting by the pool. It’s relaxing and for those of you who have children, it’s perfect for keeping them busy. Although it’s a nice way to celebrate the holiday, it’s important to maintain proper safety. Applying and reapplying sunscreen is extremely crucial when spending the holiday outdoors in the summer sun. Make sure you stay consistent when applying sunscreen in order to avoid a nasty sunburn. It’s also important to remember that while it’s okay to have a drink or two to ring in the holiday. You are near a body of water and drinking too excessively presents numerous dangers.

Additionally, be sure that you are aware of your surroundings. If people, from your family or friend group especially, are running, remind them to avoid doing so on the pool deck. Or, if the sky suddenly darkens and it looks like it might storm, quickly find shelter and wait it out. The festivities can wait, your safety is more important!

This year’s 4th of July celebrations will definitely go down in history. Because it’s the first celebration in a long time that will be lacking in its trademark event: fireworks displays and festivals. If you do plan on celebrating the holiday, despite the cancelations, by having your own fireworks in a smaller backyard gathering. Make sure you adhere to this for the 4th of July and fireworks safety tips. Be sure to carry the Silent Beacon with you. That way you’re able to guarantee a happy, fun, and safe 4th of July!