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.