The team at AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah wants you to have some much-deserved fun over the summer. Everywhere you look during the summer, fireworks seem to be involved. Because of this, it’s important to practice firework safety to keep your summer happy and healthy. Have a Blast This Summer! First, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Therefore, although this might make you the “mean” parent, avoid letting your kids play with any fireworks, including sparklers. The type of firework doesn’t matter—it’s just better to have fireworks be an adult-managed activity. And, really, the best way to handle fireworks is to enjoy a firework show put on by professionals. Before lighting any firework, read the labels. Not all fireworks are created equal. Therefore, the descriptions should be read carefully so that each person understands how the firework actually works. And before you even think about it, just say no to homemade fireworks and to shooting fireworks into metal or glass containers. This is extremely dangerous to everyone. Second, if you’re attending an event where fireworks are being set off, be sure to keep a safe distance from where they are being lit. Many people recommend that participants stay at least 500 feet away, or up to a quarter of a mile. Not only does this help from a safety perspective, but it’s also a way to ensure you have the best viewpoint of the fireworks. The safety of the pyrotechnicians should also be a priority. Help them stay safe by setting up barriers so they can remain completely focused on their job and not have to worry about other people, especially children, invading their space. They need to be able to stay completely focused at the task at hand to keep themselves and others safe. Whether it’s a firework injury or a less serious medical concern, visit our team here at AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah for proper diagnosis and treatment.