The Fourth of July is almost here, and hopefully you have some time off that you can spend with friends and family to ring in the holiday. As doctors, the Fourth of July always gives us a little pause because of the potential for minor to catastrophic injuries. We want you to stay safe and injury free, which is why we wanted to share some tips from our team and from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons for staying safe this holiday.
Safety on the Fourth of July
A lapse in judgment can turn into a trip to the emergency room in an instant if you’re not careful. However, if you follow these tips, we’re sure that you’ll have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July:
- Check with your local police department to determine if fireworks are legal in your area. If so, find out which types, and verify that there is not a burn ban in effect in your community for fire hazard conditions.
- Never purchase or use illegal fireworks.
- Only adults should light fireworks.
- Always have water handy in case of a fire, such as a hose or a nearby bucket of water.
- Wear safety eyewear when using fireworks.
- Soak used fireworks in water before discarding to prevent unintentional fires.
- Never try to relight a firework.
- If you are injured using fireworks, seek immediate medical attention.
- Never allow young children to play with or go near fireworks, including sparklers. They seem harmless but sparklers can reach temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees.
- Never handle fireworks if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Do not kick or step on fireworks, even if you think they are done.
- Wear plenty of sunscreen if you’re out in the sun for hours over the holiday.
- Never aim fireworks at another person, and only launch them off a secure and stable base.
The Fourth of July should be a fun-filled holiday, but you’re not going to be smiling if you require a trip to the emergency room. Make smart decisions and follow the above health tips, and we’re confident you’ll have a great holiday.