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 any of your children are not used to traveling long distances by car, they may have a bout of motion sickness. This is not just relegated to driving, but can affect children and adults who travel by air, train, and ship as well.

While it is a good idea to bring a “barf bag” just in case, this condition can be avoided using the following preventative measures:

• Ensure the family has a good breakfast before leaving.
• Bring along a mini-six-pack of ginger ale. A few sips will help settle the stomach.
• Make a stop and have the affected child sit in the front seat.
• Open the window of the car to allow the fresh air in.
• If necessary, stop at a rest stop and have the children walk around a while.

We are most familiar with motion sickness on ships. The constant “motion” of the ship allows for nausea that eventually may lead to vomiting.

The medical description of motion sickness is that the inner ear is affected because the motion is sending different messages to the brain. Even though the vehicle is moving, the body is not, and so the conflict begins.

If the motion sickness becomes severe and the person begins to vomit, stop and give the person affected plenty of water to drink afterward to avoid dehydration. The individual needs to get their balance and bearings. This is why a little walk will help alleviate future symptoms.

Another good idea is to tell the individual to keep their head up and focus on an object outside the car, such as the sky. Engaging in games or other activities can only worsen the situation.

Motion sickness can feel awful, especially for a child. With a calm voice and a gentle hand, assure the child that he or she will be fine. Use all measures mentioned, and give the child enough time to weather this storm. Eventually, they will recover.

Here’s another tip: If a child or adult feels sick in the car, turn off the radio and AC and just let them breathe in the fresh air. Getting sick can make them more anxious and they may feel bad about getting sick as well. Reassurance and comforting words is all they need.

So you’ve decided to take a road trip with the kids. Planning ahead of time can help make the trip a successful one.

Here are some suggestions to achieve the perfect road trip.

After you’ve chosen your destination, either go online and print out directions from MapQuest or call AAA and ask for a trip ticket. This includes a map containing rest stops and areas of interest along the way.

You can also check online and find gas stations offering the most economical prices on your route.

Speaking of gas, you will also need to ensure your car is in great condition before you travel. If you haven’t already done so, have the oil and filter changed, air the tires, check the different fluids such as transmission and others, and ensure you have filled the windshield wiper container with fluid.

Place blankets and pillows in the back seat in case the children want to take a nap. Keep the emergency road kit in the truck, and the first aid kit in the glove compartment.

Make a list of food items you are going to take with you; then the night before, you can prepare containers of snacks that will satisfy the children’s hunger before you arrive at your first pit stop. Bring along lots of water and juices as well.

You may also want to check the many restaurants along the route before you travel to determine who offers free meals for kids. This can afford you a substantial savings in the long run.

Keeping the kids occupied will require that you take some games along. It is recommended that you bring some pop-up books for the young ones in your family, as well as their favorite toys. Of course, you may want to limit the number of toys per child – that solely depends on the size and loudness of the toys. The last thing you want to do is distract the driver.

Once you have made all of the necessary preparations and have packed all the clothing and items you need, check your list again to ensure you didn’t forget anything. More importantly, make sure that everyone gets a good night’s sleep. Oh, and by the way – make sure your home is absolutely secure before you leave.