Don’t Be a Statistic: Enjoy Arklatex Fireworks Safely This 4th of July

Summer has officially arrived in the Arklatex. Triple digit temperatures are just around the corner, as are days at the lake, bbq's, and lots of mosquitoes. But this weekend brings another highlight of summer, July 4 Weekend.

As you prepare to celebrate what is still the greatest country on God's Green Earth, if fireworks are in your plans, you need to make sure you celebrate safely.  Unfortunately, too many people don't.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 11 deaths, and over 14,000 injuries last year associated with fireworks.  And most of those could have been avoided simply by using common sense, and by following a few simple safety guidelines.

Fireworks Safety Tips

Here are a few fireworks safety tips provided by the National Safety Council:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks
• Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
• Never light them indoors
• Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
• Never ignite devices in a container
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire
• Never use illegal fireworks

An even better idea would be to grab your lawn chairs or blanket, and enjoy the 4th of July Fireworks at the many locations across the Arklatex, including the riverfront.