According to the CPSC, there are about 10,000 fireworks-related injuries every year. While fireworks are one of our favorite parts of Independence Day, that doesn’t make them safer. What Fourth of July safety tips can help you avoid becoming a statistic?
Southport is one of the best cities to spend this Fourth of July. Our proximity to the Cape Fear River and to Oak Island gives you plenty of places to enjoy the water against your toes. With beaches, history, and more maritime fun, what could be better?
If you’re curious about senior holiday precautions and safely planning memory care celebrations, we’re here to help. Read on to learn more about how to plan safe July 4th activities in Southport, NC.
Fourth of July Safety Tips: Enjoying Fireworks Safely
Fireworks are one of the most iconic parts of the holidays. Unfortunately, fireworks are also the biggest threat to safety in most cases. Here are some safe ways to plan patriotic fun for older adults.
Attending Shows
It’s important to note that fireworks of all sorts are illegal in Southport. This includes fireworks that you and your family bought legally elsewhere and brought to Southport. Some people confuse this, as fireworks are not illegal in all of North Carolina.
Instead, we highly recommend you attend the shows that many others put on. You should seek out safely planned activities that your community may hold, as these have a focus on celebrating without impeding on safety.
That said, many people travel for these holidays. It’s still important to understand firework safety so that you can keep you and your family safe during the fireworks!
Low-Danger Fireworks
Some people are much more interested in lighting their own fireworks instead of attending shows. In that case, make sure that you’re getting safe and legal fireworks.
Try to find fireworks that focus on spectacle instead of danger, such as:
- Noise makers
- Snakes
- Multi-colored fountain fireworks
Many types of fireworks will be less dangerous than others. That said, pyrotechnics always have some inherent danger!
Assisted living safety communities also may have something planned! Many assisted living programs will hold Fourth of July events you can attend.
Other Safety Concerns
What other safety risks should you plan for with lively community activities this Fourth of July? Here are some Fourth of July safety tips with a deeper focus on battling the heat and weather for your holiday.
Battling the Sun
Many of the best Fourth of July events take place during daylight hours. Unfortunately, spending your whole day outside in the middle of the Southport Summer can cause some serious issues.
One of the main issues is the sun itself and the threat that it poses to your health. Exposure to the sun can lead to a variety of health issues, including sunburn, sunstroke, and even sun poisoning.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, seniors are more susceptible to ultraviolet light than younger individuals. That’s because they’ve withstood more UV damage from the sun due to their longer lives. Such damage is cumulative, increasing the risk of skin cancer and other health conditions.
When possible, it’s best to seek shade to avoid these problems. We also recommend additional precautions, such as:
- Bringing high-SPF sunscreen and applying it frequently
- Wearing skin-covering, lightweight clothes
- Seek shade in covered areas and stay indoors when possible
- Wearing large-brimmed lightweight hats to keep the sun off your face
It’s important to ensure that the clothes you wear to hide from the sun are lightweight. Otherwise, you put yourself at serious risk of overheating.
Mastering the Crowds
Another threat for seniors and older adults is the challenge that a large crowd can pose. For younger, able-bodied individuals, crowds and events are difficult to navigate. How can you make them easier to handle?
One of the best ways is with ear protection. Earplugs or headphones that dim out noise are crucial for these larger crowds.
So much noise can become extremely disorienting. When fireworks begin going off, they can be loud enough to damage your hearing. The roar of a loud crowd can also cause such discomfort.
Don’t worry about blocking out your hearing! Modern earplugs focus more on blocking certain frequencies than all sound. That means you shouldn’t struggle to hear your companions.
We also recommend traveling in a group and with an “exit buddy.” Doing so can help reduce the chance of getting lost or separated from your loved ones.
Finally, make sure you and your group take note of exits, restrooms, and other important landmarks. That way, you’ll know where to go if an emergency occurs.
Handling Heat
The heat is one of the first things you’ll want to plan for on July 4th, especially if you intend to hold your festivities at the beach. According to a study from Harvard, 12,000 people in the United States die of heat-related causes annually.
Additionally, roughly 80% of these individuals are senior adults. That means four out of every five!
Managing the heat is one of the most important factors of a day outdoors. Some ways to do so include:
- Find the shade to avoid direct sunlight
- Attend nighttime festivities out of the sun
- Bring cold towels, water, etc., to keep your body temperature down
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is also paramount. According to the Cleveland Clinic, older adults are more at risk of dehydration. That’s because, as we age, our bodies become worse at regulating temperature, holding in water, and more.
Dehydration can lead to headaches, dizziness, and more dangerous symptoms. Seniors may struggle more than most with dehydration, as it can worsen existing symptoms. Make sure that you and your loved ones are staying fully hydrated.
Safe July 4th Activities And You
Following these Fourth of July safety tips will help you and your loved ones manage Independence Day without issue. Focus on hydration and the danger of overheating, as these are some of the greatest risks. Once you know everyone is safe from the elements, make sure that fireworks and any events are being handled properly.
At Terrabella Southport, we’re experts in giving you the comfort you deserve. We offer chef-prepared meals, a hearty and enriching social calendar, and a holistic approach to health and wellness. Schedule a tour to see how we can help you enjoy your retirement.
