The auto club AAA estimates 44.2 million people will travel by road, flight, train and boat for this July Fourth holiday. Across the country American flags will line streets followed by a parade of bands, antique cars, and themed floats. Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy the day and actives that will entertain kids when traveling. After the late night barbecue, grand firework displays mark another year of independence.
Since our last blog post on fireworks, let's take a look at some statistics:
- Licensure in Illinois
- 2,200 licensed to use explosives
- 1,000 licensed for fireworks displays
- 285 million pounds of fireworks were used in 2016
- 18,500 fires per year originate from fireworks
- Sparklers can burn at 2,000 degrees
- Over 200 people annually seek medical attention for firework injuries
- Second and third-degree burns
- Blindness
- Scarring
- Amputation
- Death
Experience a memorable celebration with these tips:
- Watch from a distance
- Curiosity leads children to be vulnerable, exercise caution
- Avoid hot firework debris
- Earplugs and headsets help to muffle sound
- Keep pets sheltered indoors
- Be aware of alcohol consumption
- Wear a life jacket when boating
For additional information on firework safety and locations displaying fireworks on July 4th, visit:
- Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Where to see 4th of July fireworks around Chicago
- 9 Best Places to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks by Boat
