The Fourth of July is just around the corner! How are you spending it? With family and friends? At the local baseball game, cheering on the Omaha Storm chasers? Wherever you’re spending this holiday, it’s important to stay safe. The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commision, estimates there are 9, 100 injuries treated in emergency rooms.
With the most common injuries being on the hands, fingers, legs and eyes. Yes, even your eyes can get damaged from fireworks. It is estimated that 19 percent of firework injuries involve the individual’s eyes. It’s essential to take the proper precautions to keep any flying debris or sparks from getting into your eyes.
What you can do to prevent firework injuries
Of course you cannot prevent accidents from occurring, but you can do your best to avoid them. That is why the vision impairment specialist want to give help keep yours and your family’s eyes protected:
Do not let kids play with fireworks.
Fireworks are extremely dangerous for anyone. Don’t risk your kids getting injured! Avoiding letting your kids play with fireworks. Rockets, firecrackers and sparklers can lead to abrasions on their hands or eyes.
If you do decide to give your kids a sparkler, be sure to keep them out of their face, clothing and hair. The thing about these fireworks are they are held in hands, but temperatures can reach up to 1,800 degrees fahrenheit depending on the type of sparkler.
Avoid purchasing and using fireworks in general.
The best way to keep yourself and the whole family safe is by not burning any fireworks. Plan to attend public fireworks displays that are conducted by professionals. You should be warned that even public events can be still dangerous. Always be cautious and try to stay as far as possible.
Here’s a list of Fourth of July events that are safe and inclusive for everyone, especially those who have a vision impairment.
Listen to the The Nebraska Wind Symphony
Enjoy a free concert put together by the Nebraska Wind Symphony at the SumTur Amphitheater. You’ll be surrounded by good music and amazing people. The musical performance will include NWS Scholarship award winner, Nestor Pelay, performing The Yellow Rose of Texas.
The show starts at 6 p.m. so don’t miss out!
Munch at the annual 4th of July BBQ.
The Nebraska Games and Parks is having their annual July 4th barbeque at Fort Robinson State Park. It’s an event surrounded by nothing but nature and filled with the aroma of fresh BBQ.
The event goes from 11 a.m – 1 p.m!
Ralston Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration.
If you’re looking for a fun filled event the whole family will enjoy, head out to Ralston for the 59th Annual Independence Day Parade. The event includes food from food trucks to a chicken dinner in the afternoon. There will be face painting for the little ones and games. Not to mention a musical performance by Joey Guliizia and the G notes. Did we mention there will be a raffle drawing? All the profits will go back to local non-profit organizations!
The event starts at 7:50 a.m. For a full list of events throughout the day check out their page.
At Outlook Nebraska, we are striving to make educate everyone about the importance of vision safety. We also want to make everyone with vision impairment to feel inclusive in every point of their life. Check out our website for a full range of our products and services for the blind and visually impaired.
