Nothing lights up the night sky quite like a fireworks display. Dazzling colors paint the atmosphere – each explosion a unique brush stroke on the black canvas. Fireworks can turn any backyard cookout into an exciting festival of light and sound. They can put a smile on kids of all ages and make any special moment a memory.
Fourth of July is arguably the most popular time for fireworks shows throughout the nation. This year, make sure your artistic display is safe for everyone involved, including yourself.
“We treat several burn cases at our locations every year,” says Bea Kochheiser, Central Florida market leader for Solantic Urgent Care. “Everyone gets wrapped up in the excitement and sometimes they forget to take all the necessary precautions.” When planning your festivities for this year, remember that only responsible adults should handle fireworks. “Children should, under no circumstances, handle fireworks,” she says. When using fireworks, it’s important to always light them in a cleared area away from buildings and cars. It’s even suggested by many experts to have a hose or bucket handy during your backyard extravaganza.
“Fireworks should never be lit out of metal or glass containers either,” says Kochheiser. “The bottles can break and create a hazard for you, your neighbors and your pets.” If a firework is broken, do not attempt to re-light fix it. According to Kochheiser, one of the easiest tips is often one of the most often overlooked concerning firework safety. “A lot of problems can be avoided by wearing the proper clothing,” she says. “Although it’s important to stay comfortable in the Florida heat, one of the biggest mistakes is wearing loose fitting clothing. Believe it or not, a lot of stray fireworks, such as Bottle Rockets, can get caught in shirt wrinkles or sleeves.” Another mistake is not wearing the proper footwear. “It’s Florida, in the summer time, so a lot of us wear sandals whenever we can,” she says. “But, when you are lighting fireworks and running away from the fuse, sandals are not the best idea. Not only could a bad firework burn your feet, you could trip and fall while running or step on various debris.”
Follow these tips for a safe, bright Fourth of July celebration. Let the smiles, and the fireworks, begin.
Article by Corey Gehrold
