Firework safety this July

It's that time of year again; the time when we remember and celebrate our great nation's birthday. The Fourth of July is packed with summer traditions, like watching the parade, playing mud volleyball, eating delicious barbeque food, and of course fireworks. Lighting and watching fireworks is symbolic of our patriotism and remembrance of our country's fight for freedom. No matter your age fireworks are a timeless, exciting tradition. However, over excitement can sometimes lead to mishaps and accidents.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that in 2013 about 11,400 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks. Sixty-five percent of these estimated injuries occurred during the month surrounding July 4.

At Campbell County Health the safety and health of our community members is very important to us. That is why the CCMH Emergency Care Department and Campbell County Health Emergency Medical Services would like to share these firework safety tips:

• Always read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before lighting a firework
• Wear safety glasses when igniting
• Light one firework at a time and then move quickly away
• If a firework does not go off leave it for 20 minutes and then soak in a bucket of water
• A responsible adult should supervise children at all times
• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby in case of an incident
• Do not shoot fireworks at people, houses, by dry grass, or inside
• Dispose of used fireworks by wetting them and placing in a metal trash can

Also, remember that fireworks are not permitted within Gillette City Limits.

By following these safety tips we hope everyone has a safe and happy Independence Day. For the full schedule of Gillette's Fourth of July activities visit Campbell County Parks and Recreation.