Fourth of July Safety Tips for Seniors in La Mirada, CA
We all love celebrating our country's independence, but doing so safely is a crucial step. Did you know that there are nearly 10,000 fireworks-related injuries every year, as reported by CPSC?? What fourth of July safety tips can help keep this number down?
Here at La Mirada, we take great pride in celebrating July 4th. Our beautiful summer weather makes it the perfect time to enjoy the California sunshine, as well as to launch off some fireworks around sunset.
If you're curious about senior summer safety, we're here to help. From firework precautions to heat safety for seniors, there are plenty of ways you can keep your loved ones safe. Read on for a quick patriotic celebration guide that puts safety first.
Understanding Firework Safety
The first step to our Fourth of July safety tips is to focus on the fireworks. We'll dive into things like heat exhaustion and hydration later, but for now, let's see what we can do to keep all our fingers when lighting off fireworks.
Light From a Distance
One thing you should always focus on is lighting fireworks from a distance. That isn't to say you need to put dozens of feet between yourself and a lighter; there are plenty of ways to safely light your fireworks.
A great idea is to use what's called a punk. Punks are long sticks about a foot long that you can light, extinguish, and leave with an ember. Think of them as unscented incense!
With a punk, you can light the fireworks from a safe distance. This cuts down on your chances of getting scorched fingers, as well as stopping you from needing to bother with a lighter all the time. We also recommend these for kids!
Seniors also should use something like a grill lighter that has more reach. These are easier to light as well, which is ideal if you're dealing with arthritis.
Focus on Mobility
As we age, it's a definite reality that we slow down a little bit, physically speaking. According to the Census, about one million seniors deal with difficulties climbing or walking.
That can be a hassle in your day-to-day life, but it's a much bigger problem when you need to get away from a firework quickly. The issue becomes more important depending on what you're lighting. Make sure you can get away from the following fireworks quickly:
- Mortars and high-explosive fireworks
- Rocket-type and bottle-rockets
- Firecrackers
- Shower fireworks
In short, anything that creates a large explosion or an area of danger is something you should be able to escape quickly. If not, hold off on lighting them.
Low Danger, High Spectacle
One great way to take away that threat is to instead focus on fireworks that are pretty, but not as loud. Mortars and such are gorgeous to see and create a dazzling spectacle, but they are also more dangerous than other types. In case of a misfire where the mortar never leaves its tube, it can cause a dramatic safety issue.
Instead, focus on using fireworks that offer a show rather than danger. There are plenty of fireworks that stay on the ground and shower the area in relatively harmless sparks. You may not want to stand in the shower of sparks, but otherwise, there's little threat to safety.
Other fireworks include noisemakers or color-changing showers. These are all great for focusing on safety without sacrificing the fun.
At La Mirada Heights, we know that safety doesn't have to mean boring. We offer our residents with a large swathe of safety-first entertainment options and activities to keep the days fun. Browse our activities to see what we have to keep you entertained.
Leave the Lighting to Others
Finally, we recommend leaving the lighting to other people. While it's fun to be the one lighting the fireworks, there are simply more risks in doing so.
That's especially the case for seniors who may not have the ability to get out of the way quickly. Bending to light the fireworks can cause some problems, and even the act of carrying them can pose a threat to your safety.
With so many risks, why put everyone's fun and leisure in jeopardy by insisting on being the one who lights fireworks? Instead, leave it to a grandchild, a friend, or a safety attendant. It's best to attend firework shows put on by others, if this is an option!
Holiday Wellness Tips
With firework precautions out of the way, what other Fourth of July safety tips are there for us to consider? Here are a few additions to our patriotic celebration guide.
Managing the Heat
Managing the heat is difficult for anyone, but heat safety for seniors is particularly important. According to Harvard, about 12,000 people in the United States die of heat-related causes annually. Of this amount, roughly 80% of them are above the age of 60.
Do what you can to manage the heat. Some options include:
- Find shade when possible
- Save the festivities for nighttime
- Bring cold towels, water, etc. to keep your body temperature in check
Staying Hydrated
One step to managing the heat is to stay hydrated. Do your best to ensure you're drinking plenty of water, especially if you're outside where you're sweating constantly. Dehydration can cause headaches, fainting, and other severe symptoms.
Dehydration is especially possible if you're enjoying alcohol, as many of us are during our Fourth of July. Drink responsibly and make sure you're having plenty of water between your other beverages.
Mastering Fourth of July Safety Tips
Fourth of July safety tips are crucial to managing your senior summer safety. While we all want to enjoy our independence, doing so with safety in mind is the most important step. Practice good firework precautions, focus on heat safety for seniors, and keep our holiday wellness tips in mind when you're having fun!
At La Mirada Heights, we know that retirement doesn't mean slowing down. We focus on providing safe, wholesome fun for our residents, highlighting social interaction and festivities. Contact us to see how we can help make your golden years shine brighter.