Fourth of July Safety Tips for Seniors in Bethel Park

Celebrating our Independence Day is one of the best days of the year, but doing so safely is paramount. With the right Fourth of July safety tips, you can avoid spending your celebration from an emergency room! According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are about 10,000 injuries and deaths from firework-related situations each year.

Bethel Park is the ideal community to spend your Independence Day with. The Pennsylvania summers are warm without becoming overwhelmingly hot, and few places are better for independence than the birthplace of our democracy!

If you're looking for a senior holiday safety guide to safe celebrations, we're here to help. Read on for some summer event tips that will keep your holiday safe.

Summer and Holiday Wellness Tips

Fourth of July safety tips are more than just fireworks precautions. There are more threats to your safety during the holidays, especially in the outdoors summer heat.

While Pennsylvania doesn't feature the same sweltering temperatures as Florida or Arizona, that doesn't mean the heat poses no threats. Here are two of the most important things to keep in mind when enjoying patriotic activities for older adults.

Beat the Heat

What's the hottest day you've ever enjoyed outside? Many people take the heat as a given, but they aren't completely aware of what threats are truly waiting for them. The heat alone can cause issues like sunburn and heat exhaustion.

Heat exhaustion is one of several major heat conditions that can cause serious complications. The Cleveland Clinic defines heat exhaustion as a condition that occurs when you overheat while exerting yourself. Exhaustion can worsen falling risks, cause nausea, and more.

Heat exhaustion can also quickly turn into a life-threatening condition called heat stroke. Heat stroke will often land you in the hospital and can leave lasting damage. Do your best to avoid such issues by:

• Celebrating in the shade
• Managing your fluid intake
• Avoiding direct sunlight
• Taking breaks from the outdoors

Handling Hydration

Your best way to battle the heat is to make sure you're staying properly hydrated. Dehydration is dangerous for anyone of all ages, but it's significantly more dangerous

The National Library of Medicine has also stated that dehydration can increase the fall risk for adults. Handling your hydration properly can avoid an unfortunate visit to the hospital to handle a fall.

It's also worth remembering how alcohol intake may impact your hydration. Many people pass the holiday with a few beverages, so make sure you're keeping track of how hydrated you are during this. Alcohol can worsen dehydration, so be careful!

Firework Safety in Bethel Park, PA

Now that we know more about summer safety, let's look at firework safety. Here are some crucial things to keep in mind.

Lighting Fireworks Safely

Lighting fireworks is a must, but there's no where more dangerous than directly next to them. How can you light fireworks safely, especially if there's a risk of one going off too early?

One good strategy is to use a punk. Often used by kids, punks are long, incense-like sticks that you light the end of to keep an ember. You can then use this ember to light fireworks from a safer distance.

If you don't want to use a punk, many people have found long grill lighters to be useful. These lighters are long enough to give you some extra range and light fuses quicker than punks. They're also much easier on hands that are dealing with arthritis!

Understanding Mobility's Challenges

Mobility is another challenge to keep in mind. The Census states that mobility issues are the most common disability for American adults, especially above the age of 60.

The most dangerous spot to be in a firework show is right next to the fireworks. We all have warm memories of lighting the fuse and running away somewhere safe, but as we've aged, the running part becomes a bit tougher.

When designing your fireworks precautions, think of how mobility challenges can arise. What are the most dangerous fireworks? Some things that pose the greatest threat are:

• High-explosive fireworks
• Firecrackers and other quick-fused explosives
• Large shower-type fireworks

For senior holiday safety, the best Fourth of July safety tip is to light from a distance. That way, you don't need to get away quite so quickly.

Try to Avoid to Risk

A crucial Fourth of July safety tip is to focus on the spectacle instead of adding risk. Using dangerous fireworks like mortars or dangerous ones like firecrackers is an unnecessary risk. Gentler, quieter, more colorful fireworks that aren't quite as dangerous are a great choice.

A great way to enjoy your holiday is to seek out local Bethel Park events instead of holding your own. These safe celebrations are a great way for you and your loved ones to enjoy a fireworks show without having to put on the event yourself!

Here at Provincial Bethel Park, we understand that safety comes first, but that doesn't mean you need to sacrifice the fun. Browse our activities to see how we highlight safety while still providing excellent opportunities.

Let Others Light the Fireworks

You can remove some of the risk with longer lighters and punks, but why accept any risk at all? It's usually safer to let someone else handle the lighting.

If you're living with mobility issues, this is particularly challenging. Something as simple as bending over to light the fireworks can present a falling risk. Even carrying the fireworks can pose some challenges.

Many military veterans also feel uncomfortable when dealing with fireworks. At Provincial Bethel Park, we put our veterans first with our veteran-focused programs. To see how we're supporting our veterans this July 4th, browse our veteran-first benefits.

Following Your Fourth of July Safety Tips

Following Fourth of July safety tips can help you keep your Independence Day more comfortable and memorable. Manage your body's temperature and hydration

Here at Provincial Bethel Park, we know that a safe celebration is only part of what makes your golden years shine. We're proud to offer pet-friendly apartments where you can enjoy three chef-prepared meals a day, a relaxing environment, and copious chances to socialize. Reach out today to see how we can help you live in comfort.