Hear Ye Safely at the Fireworks

The spirit of community promoted by Canaan Railroad Days is enjoyed by the entire region, particularly on the night of the fireworks. Two safety concerns become especially important at this time: child supervision and hearing protection, especially for the young.

Keeping an eye on kids in a crowd is a special skill. Reduce the variables by bringing drinks and snacks, an extra layer of clothing, money, and an adult friend or two (perhaps team up with another family). Have young teens use a buddy system with a friend and check in with parents frequently if they go off; ideally an adult could go along.

Protecting one's hearing from the loud noises of the fireworks (or loud concerts) can be done simply by plugging one's ears with one's fingers or, more comfortably, by folding up the outer part of the ear. Try it—it's kind of fun!

Pregnant women need to consider their babes in utero, who can hear by 7 or 8 months. Scientific studies have pointed to possible links between prenatal exposure to high levels of noise and signs of developmental retardation and neurological disturbances. Given the risk, it's worthwhile to watch fireworks from inside a car or farther away than usual.

Young children's ears may also benefit from protection, as can anyone's. Hearing loss cannot be recovered, so enjoy the sights and sounds safely.