Pennsylvania Association for the Blind is Celebrating Our Nation's Birthday Safely

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Mechanicsburg, PA (PRWEB) June 28, 2012

On a day that is filled with festive traditions like parades, barbecues, picnics, baseball, outdoor parties and events honoring the nation, there is one tradition that is most identifiable; fireworks. Since 1777, fireworks have been associated with the 4th of July. Firework shows are held in every state and many families and groups buy fireworks privately for their own use.

Each year, approximately 5,000 Americans are sent to the emergency room for firework related injuries. 1000 of those injuries were to eyes, including contusions, lacerations, debris in the eyes and burns. That is why the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind is encouraging you to celebrate the Holiday safely this year, by starting new traditions.

Here are some fun suggestions:

• Purchase non-toxic glow-sticks, glow-ropes and glow-jewelry that can safely light the night for kids;
• Let kids cook in the kitchen by making fun desserts using blueberries, strawberries and whipping cream for star-spangled treats;
• Have children design and decorate their own t-shirts and hats using glow in the dark paints. Add puffy paints and glitter to make them sparkle and;
• Use hypoallergenic face paint or make-up to make designs on your child’s face. Adults should apply the face paint and remove it with cold cream or eye make-up remover instead of soap. Follow product guidelines about applying product directly around the eyes.

If your family is going to celebrate using fireworks this 4th of July the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind is urging you to protect your family and children from related injuries.

Here are a couple helpful tips:

• Always use legal fireworks outside;
• Have a bucket of water or hose handy at all time;
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait twenty minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water;
• Any person lighting a firework should wear protective safety glasses, while spectators keep a safe distance from the firework.
• Do not allow any children under the age of 12 to handle sparklers.

The best way to protect your family though is not to use any fireworks at home — period. Attend public fireworks displays, and leave the lighting to the professionals.

Help PAB in our efforts and share some of your safe family traditions with PAB on our Facebook page

Beaver Co. Assn. f/t Blind, Berks Co. Assn. f/t Blind, Blair/Clearfield Assn. f/t Blind, Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh, Bucks Co. Assn. f/t Blind, Butler Co. Assn. f/t Blind, Cambria Co. Assn. f/t Blind & Handicapped, Center f/t Blind & Visually Impaired, Central Susquehanna Sight Services, Center for Vision Loss, Chester Co. Assn. f/t Blind, Fayette Co. Assn. f/t Blind, ForSight Vision, Greater Wilkes-Barre Assn. f/t Blind, Hazleton Blind Assn., Indiana Co. Blind Assn., Keystone Blind Assn., Lackawanna Branch –PAB, Lawrence Co. Assn. f/t Blind, Montgomery Co. Assn. f/t Blind, North Central Sight Services, Nu Visions Center, South Central Blind Assn., Susquehanna Association f/t Blind & Vision Impaired, Tri-County Assn. f/t Blind, Venango Co. Assn. f/t Blind, The Sight Center of Northwest PA, Washington-Greene Assn. f/t Blind, Westmoreland Co. Blind Assn.

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