With the Fourth of July holiday weekend upon us, it is highly important to remember how to celebrate Independence Day in a fun and safe manner with your family, friends and others in the community.

Whether you opt to attend a barbecue with others or stay home to celebrate, ensure you are aware of your surroundings and keeping safety protocols in mind so that no unexpected emergencies occur. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an average of 180 people visit Emergency Rooms every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the Fourth of July holiday.

To protect your family and others in the community, and to ensure first responders such as medical personnel and firefighters aren’t overwhelmed with emergencies, keep general safety tips in mind this holiday weekend.

Tips for Staying Safe

Each year, Prowers Medical Center emergency physicians treat several injuries over the Fourth of July weekend. The majority of firework-related injuries occur to the hands, fingers, face, head, ears, eyes and legs. Nearly half of all injuries during this time are burns. With fireworks sales at their peak and more people seeking social outings after a year at home, experts are concerned about the potential increase in medical emergencies this weekend

Children are the most vulnerable to firework-related injuries. Never let children, especially young children, play with or ignite fireworks. Sparklers should be avoided or only used with adult supervision, as they can burn at temperatures of nearly 2,000 degrees — hot enough to melt several metals. Children should also be supervised around other flame and heat sources such as BBQ grills, fire pits, bonfires or tiki torches.

Other safety tips to keep in mind include:

  • Avoid purchasing fireworks packaged in brown paper, as this is typically a sign they are meant for professional displays only, according to the CPSC.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
  • Never try to re-light or pick up a firework that did not fully ignite.
  • Prevent trash fires by dousing burned fireworks in water before throwing them away.
  • Do not consume alcohol while setting off fireworks.

Local Firework Rules and Restrictions

Fireworks are banned in all unincorporated areas of Prowers County. Unlawful fireworks for use in the City of Lamar include bottle rockets, firecrackers of any type, mortars and roman candles. Although sparklers, ground spinners and glow worms are allowed, they are not recommended for safety precautions.

For additional details on what is allowed within city limits, contact the Lamar Fire Department at 719-336-4321.

In Case of Eye Injury

If an accident occurs in which a person’s eyes are injured, seek medical attention immediately. Do not try to rinse the eye out with water or administer ibuprofen to the injured person. Ibuprofen thins the blood and may increase bleeding.

Treating Minor Burns

To treat a minor burn that does not warrant professional medical attention, run the burned area under cold tap water or soak the burned area in water for 15 minutes. This helps to pull the heat out of the skin. Avoid using ice, as it can damage the skin even more. Don’t pop burn blisters, as doing so can increase the risk for infection.

If a serious injury occurs, seek medical treatment promptly. If there is a severe fire or burn-related emergency, immediately dial 911.

Prowers Medical Center Clinic is closed for the Fourth of July holiday recognized on Monday, July 5, but the emergency room is open 24/7 for your emergent needs. For more information, call the hospital’s main line at 719-336-4343.