When I was a kid, we played with fireworks. Shocking, I know. Secretly, I like sparklers but most of my friends said they were boring. Secretly, I thought firecrackers were boring while most of my friends loved them. I preferred bottle rockets or roman candles above all others. My children are disgruntled with me because I will not buy them fireworks and they try the "But you did it when you were a kid" argument which just frustrates me and doesn't get them their own package of firecrackers or bottle rockets to play with.

Project Disaster has safety tips and injury statistics.

* About 60% of all fireworks-related injuries in 2005 occurred between June 18 and July 18. During that time period:
*about 45% of persons injured from fireworks were children ages 14 years and younger;
* males were injured by fireworks more than twice as often as females;
* and children ages 10 to 14 years had the highest injury rate for fireworks-related injuries
* persons who are actively participating in fireworks-related activities are more frequently injured, and sustain more severe injuries, than bystanders.

Elizabeth at A Wild Ride share's to remind us that even if we aren't actively participating in the fireworks frenzy, there could still be dangers.

My husband, four-year-old daughter, and I were now strolling toward the shore in another part of the island, relaxing far from the crowds, enjoying our time together. I was happily pregnant with our youngest. All of a sudden, a young man, who seemed to be embracing the gleeful lunacy of the 4th of July, lobs a small firecracker – from atop a truck bed – hooting and shouting, down the street and directly through my little one's short, little girl legs.

The PetsitUSA blog reminds us to keep pets safe during 4th of July fireworks celebrations:

Please don’t be one of the people who loses their pet this year on Independence Day! Whether you’re going out to enjoy the festivities or plan to stay home, take time to ensure your pets’ safety. Keeping them indoors is best. Don’t assume that your dog who lives in the backyard will stay there. Some dogs who wouldn’t normally climb over, or dig under, a fence will do just that when terror sets in. And, it’s not just dogs…fireworks can frighten cats as well, so make provisions for them too.

If you're a parent who chooses to buy consumer fireworks to help your kids celebrate 4th of July, be sure to visit the National Council on Fireworks Safety website. Take the quiz with your kids. Watch the video. Talk about the safety tips together.

* Always read and follow label directions.
* Have an adult present.
* Buy from reliable sellers.
* Use outdoors only.
* Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
* Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
* Light only one firework at a time.
* Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).
* Never give fireworks to small children.
* If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
* Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trashcan.
* Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
* Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
* Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
* The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
* Stay away from illegal explosives.

Have you blogged your happy fireworks memories or your fireworks fears?

~~Denise
Flamingo House Happenings and Fast Times @ Homeschool High