{"id":6275,"date":"2015-07-01T10:10:06","date_gmt":"2015-07-01T14:10:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.nchealthplans.com\/news\/?p=6275"},"modified":"2015-07-02T17:25:20","modified_gmt":"2015-07-02T21:25:20","slug":"blue-cross-blue-shield-of-nc-encourages-fireworks-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nchealthplans.com\/news\/2015\/07\/blue-cross-blue-shield-of-nc-encourages-fireworks-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY – Practice Fireworks Safety"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Boys<\/a>NC Health Plans<\/a> wishes you a Happy Independence Day!\u00a0 Believe it or not, the 4th of July is just around the corner and one of the most enjoyable and exciting ways to celebrate our nation’s independence is to set off some fireworks.\u00a0 As a child, I remember sitting on the hood of my mom’s car in the parking lot of Arlington Stadium (now The Ballpark at Arlington), watching a brilliant fireworks display following a Texas Ranger’s baseball game.\u00a0 My sister and I would oooh and ahhh and say “that was my favorite one” after almost every burst of beautiful color.\u00a0 Organized fireworks displays <\/a>were always a part our family’s 4th of July celebration.\u00a0 Although I love those memories, I also remember being envious of the kids whose parents were a little more adventurous and not too afraid to let them hold a sparkler or even set off a few fireworks of their own.\u00a0 My mom was never quite that bold and as a mother myself now, I certainly understand her hesitation and appreciate the caution she used.\u00a0 I made it through every 4th of July without incident or a trip to the emergency room.<\/p>\n

As a mother of three boys, however, I’ve had to make some adjustments and learn to take a few more risks here and there, while also trying to maintain some level of caution and restraint.\u00a0 While still not entirely comfortable with the idea of my kids and fireworks, I’ve enjoyed being a little more adventurous in our celebration of Independence Day and I’ll admit I’ve let them hold a sparkler or two.\u00a0 That being said, our number one concern when it comes to fireworks is always safety.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This 4th of July, it’s important to remember that fireworks can be dangerous.\u00a0 They can cause burns and eye injuries<\/a> in both children and adults, as well as more serious injuries.\u00a0 Of course, the best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home and simply do what my mom did.\u00a0 Take your family to a public fireworks display and leave the show to the professionals.\u00a0 In fact, in many areas fireworks at home are not even legal.\u00a0 If you intend to use fireworks at home this year, make sure you check with your local police department regarding what is legal.<\/a>\u00a0 Also, practice safety!\u00a0 Review the following list of tips from the National Council of Fireworks Safety:<\/p>\n