Celebrate Independence Day safely

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them into metal or glass containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and placing them in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.

"Everyone loves to celebrate with fireworks but it is extremely important to celebrate safely," Darin Roark, BSN, RN, vice president of Ambulatory Centers and Emergency Services for Baptist Health. "Remember to never hold a firework while lighting it and when lighting, give yourself time to step away quickly. We are always ready to take care of you in any of our Baptist/Wolfson Children's Emergency Centers, but please celebrate cautiously.”

Source: National Council on Fireworks Safety, Inc.