Whether you are attending a fireworks event in your home city or while on vacation, it is important to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the organizers of the event.

Firework safety is of the utmost concern to organizers and depending upon where they set up the pyrotechnics for this event, a city may cordon off certain areas from the public.

For example, at the Macy’s Fireworks event in New York City, while there are many areas where the general public can view the fireworks, there are specific streets and walkways that will be closed.

A notice would be posted stating that the FDR Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic for a certain period of time. This regulation allows for pedestrians to access specific areas set aside for viewing and prevents traffic build-up. In addition, this allows the clean-up crew to do their jobs effectively after the event has finished.

It is highly recommended that you attend a professional fireworks event. The reason for this is that it is much safer as long as you are standing more than 500 feet away from the action. Moreover, you will have several vantage points with which to view the spectacular show.

Conversely, if your neighborhood is having a 4th of July Block Party and a fireworks display is planned for the evening, there are safety mechanisms that need to be put in place. If an adult or specialist is hired to set off the fireworks, he should:

1. Ensure there is enough distance between him and the spectators.
2. Ensure that the wind direction does not allow for debris to blow towards the spectators.
3. Ensure that the fireworks are set securely and fire straight up.

These are necessary for the safety of the children who most likely will be in front row center during this time.

It is important to discuss firework safety with your kids and teens. This includes warnings about being too close to the fireworks when they go off, the proper handling of fireworks and sparklers, avoiding touching a firework that may appear to be a dud, not pointing fireworks at anyone, and never lighting more than one at a time.

Fourth of July is a day everyone looks forward to. Anyone can celebrate this day in a safe and fun-filled environment by adhering to the rules set forth by fireworks organizers as well as state and local authorities.

Statistics have shown that over 40% of children are hurt each year due to firework injuries. Over 60% of these injuries occur on the 4th of July. In order to prevent firework injuries, here are some recommendations to follow.

1. If you are planning a fireworks display in your yard or in front of your home, make sure that your family and other neighbors are at least 500 feet away from the action point.
2. Do not use matches or a lighter to set off the fireworks, but use a taper instead.
3. Never stand over the rocket or other firework you are about to set off.
4. After a firework has been lit, stand at a safe distance. If it doesn’t go off, do not attempt to pick it up, as it may not be the dud you think it is.
5. Supervise your children around fireworks.
6. Sparklers should not be given to children under the age of five.
7. Always light one firework at a time. Never try to experiment with several different fireworks at the same time.
8. Ensure the rocket you are setting off is secure and will go straight up.
9. Keep children far away from fire crackers.
10. Keep pets indoors.
11. Do not use any bottles or metal containers to set off firecrackers or rockets.
12. Wear protective goggles.
13. Check with local officials about firework rules and regulations.
14. Do not allow children to pick up any fireworks from the ground. Some may not have exploded and can be dangerous.
15. Avoid using cherry bombs.

Finally, it is a statistical fact that about 25% of bystanders have been harmed during a fireworks display. To avoid this, the best recommendation is to attend a professional fireworks event in your city. It is a completely controlled environment and steps are taken to ensure the general public is safe and can thoroughly enjoy the show.

Many states have outlawed the use of fireworks by individuals. This is a good thing. But if it is legal in your state, adhere to the strict guidelines for firework use so that the evening’s event will be a safe and enjoyable one.

If you are planning a trip to Paris during the Fourth of July holiday, you may want to start off your trip by spending a few days at the Disneyland Paris Hotel.
 
With a free stay for kids under seven years of age, this may prove to be a great bargain.  The Disneyland Paris hotel is the perfect place to begin your vacation.  Moreover, it is just a steam train away from the park’s entrance with its many and unsurpassed amenities.

There are dozens of attractions available at the park and it is divided into five major areas:  Main Street USA, Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Discoveryland.  After you’ve explored some of these great attraction sites, you can top off this exciting vacation with the Fourth of July fireworks display over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.

But there is so much more to do and see in Paris, the City of Lights.  This includes the Palace at Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Place de la Concorde, the outdoor cafes and shops along the Rue de Rivoli, and a visit to Tuileries gardens.

Accommodations are aplenty depending upon your budget.  You can opt to stay at the George V near the Arc, or opt for the Ares Tour Eiffel.  No matter what hotel you choose, you are never far from the extraordinary array of attractions you can access in this city.

There are also a myriad of sightseeing tours available, including the DaVinci Code Walking Tour where you will walk the same path that Robert Langdon took as he searched for the hidden clues as outlined in the book of the same name.

There is also a complete tour of Paris which includes such places as the Opera, Place Vendome, Concorde Square, the tree-lined streets of the Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Sorbonne, the Pantheon, and much more.

You can book a day tour of the Palace of Versailles.  This is an extraordinary tour where you can explore the amazing gardens, visit the Hall of Mirrors inside the palace, and view the many rooms that make this Palace so manifique!
 
You may not be able to see everything, but you can be assured you will never forget this City of Lights nor the amazing sites and sounds that entice travelers to return year after year.