Things To Remember If You Plan To Shoot Off Your Own Fireworks

It's pretty safe to say that the folks in the Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center Trauma & Surgery Department have seen, first hand, what can happen when things go wrong with fireworks.

So when they put together a list of tips on how to stay safe this 4th of July, they're coming from a place of actual experience. They want you to spend your holiday with your family, and not with them, so let's review at ways to have fun this 4th, in the safest of ways.

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Anna Moses, BSN, RN, CCRN, CEN, TCRN, trauma nurse coordinator at Northern Light Surgery and Trauma, says one of the first things to remember is that little kids and sparklers can be a dangerous mix. She suggests, instead, giving the little ones glow sticks as an alternative. Moses also says that if you plan to shoot off your own fireworks, make sure you check with the town or city first, to see if there are ordinances against fireworks in the area.

Here are some other things to keep in mind when dealing with fireworks this weekend:

• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a designated fireworks shooter or attendant
• Make sure your firing area is clear – away from trees, houses, etc.
• Keep small children away from the firing area
• Wear eye protection
• Follow instructions on the fireworks’ packaging
• Keep a water source close by
• If fireworks do not initially ignite, do not attempt to relight them. Instead, soak with water and dispose of them safely.
• Light one at a time, and move away immediately after lighting
• Never point fireworks at another person.

I would also add, that as much fun as fireworks are for most folks, there are some that find them stressful, like folks with PTSD and animals with keen hearing. It helps to remember that we all deserve to have a fun 4th.

Let's make it a safe one, too.