Fireworks Safety

The 4th of July is around the corner, meaning that fireworks are going to be on the loose like wildfire. Whether you’re in a small town or a huge city, residents enjoy playing with sparklers or shooting off small fire works. However, it is important to practice firework safety so that someone doesn’t set their house on fire or end up with an injury. Back in 2011, it was estimated that 9600 people were in the ER due to not practicing firework safety.

Here are some tips to follow to avoid hurting yourself:

• NEVER let children play with fireworks and carefully read the instructions on the box. Even with adult supervision, children can still get hurt.
• Always keep a hefty amount of water nearby in case a firework malfunctions (never try to relight the firework if that is the case) or someone gets a burn on their body.
• If handling fireworks, it is important to wear protective eye gear.
• Store fireworks away from children or pets, as both are naturally curious and the outcome of either getting into the fireworks could be deadly or result in a visit to the ER/veterinarian.
• If you notice someone or a group of people using fireworks, be sure to steer clear if they are not using the above steps to avoid possible harm to yourself or those with you.
• NEVER aim the fireworks towards anything you can harm or anything that is flammable to avoid burns or starting fires (as well as damaging property).

The picture showed below is a chart from the National Fire Protection Association.

Sparklers can get up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit! That is far hotter than putting your hand in an oven at the maximum temperature. Fireworks are beautiful, but hearing this alone is a reminder of how dangerous they can be even if people are aware of this information.

In a celebration of the 4th of July, the town of Marana is putting together The Star Spangled Spectacular! There will be live music, food trucks, and a few companies giving out goodies as well as information. MHC Healthcare is a title sponsor of this event - visit our table for some 4th of July goodies! The event will start on Monday, July 4th at 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM so be sure to check out all the entertainment before the fireworks show. 

Below is a link to the event detailing the address and all of the vendors, events, hosts, and even more information!  
http://www.maranaaz.gov/town-calendar/2016/7/4/star-spangled-spectacular

For more information on MHC Healthcare, check out our website here: http://mhchealthcare.org/

Remember to practice firework safety and to have a fantastic 4th of July celebration whether it's celebrating at home with loved ones or enjoying the fireworks! 


Author: Beth Jeffries, MHC Healthcare Volunteer