Stay Safe This Fourth of July: Simple Tips to Protect Your Children

The Fourth of July is a time for family, fun and celebration. At Valley Children’s, we want every family to enjoy the holiday safely. Each year, we see an increase in injuries around this time—many of which can be prevented with a few simple steps.

As a pediatrician and a mom, I know how special these moments are. With a little planning, you can keep your children safe while still making wonderful memories.

Fireworks and Burn Safety

Fireworks may be exciting, but they can also be very dangerous—especially for children. Even sparklers, which many people think are safe, can burn at extremely high temperatures and cause serious injuries in seconds.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch a professional show.

If you are celebrating at home:

• Keep children away from all fireworks, including sparklers
• Never let children light fireworks
• Do not pick up fireworks that didn’t go off
• Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby

Burns to the hands, face and eyes are the most common injuries we see, and they can have lasting effects.

Air Quality and Breathing Concerns

Fireworks don’t just pose a burn risk—they also affect the air we breathe. Fireworks release smoke and tiny particles into the air that can irritate the lungs.

This can be especially harmful for children with asthma or other breathing conditions. Poor air quality can trigger coughing, wheezing or trouble breathing.

To protect your child:

• Check local air quality before heading outside
• Limit outdoor time if the air looks smoky or hazy
• Keep windows and doors closed if air quality is poor
• Make sure your child has their inhaler or medications if needed

If your child has asthma and develops worsening symptoms, seek medical care right away.

Water and Heat Safety

Many families spend the Fourth of July near water or outdoors in the heat. These activities can also come with risks.

Keep these safety tips in mind:

• Always provide close, “touch” supervision around water
• Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets when boating or swimming
• Stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade
• Apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the day

Drowning can happen quickly and quietly, so staying close and attentive is key.

Celebrate Safely

The Fourth of July should be a time of joy, not injury. By taking a few precautions, you can help keep your children safe and healthy.

At Valley Children’s, we are here for you—not just when your child is sick or injured, but also to help prevent those injuries in the first place.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

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Hailey Nelson, MD, FAAP, IBCLC

Complex Care Pediatrician, Valley Children's Healthcare

Hailey Nelson, MD, FAAP, IBCLC is a complex care pediatrician at Valley Children’s Healthcare in Madera, California. A vocal advocate for children’s wellness, Dr. Nelson regularly appears in local, regional and national media. As an official spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, she is a frequent contributor to the AAP’s HealthyChildren.org website and has been featured as a subject matter expert by publications including The New York Times, Insider and USA Today. Dr. Nelson is a Safe Kids ambassador and frequently hosts Lunch and Learn sessions on Facebook Live for parents covering safety and injury prevention topics.