Oklahoma City Indian Clinic provides information to help you have a safe holiday.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, wants you to celebrate safely this Independence Day.
Fireworks are a longstanding tradition, but they come with risk of fires and unintentional injuries. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), even sparklers burn at nearly 2,000 degrees.
“Never allow young children to play with or light fireworks, even sparklers,” said Janice Hixson, MD, OKCIC’s Chief Medical Officer. “Sparklers can cause serious burns and eye injuries.”
Fireworks can be dangerous for adults too. According to CPSC, adults ages 25-44 sustained 35% of all firework injuries in 2020. Follow these tips to safely light fireworks:
- Do not place any part of your body directly over the fireworks device.
- Never try to re-light a firework.
- Never throw or aim fireworks toward another person.
- Only light one firework at a time, then move to a safe distance immediately.
- Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
- Never light fireworks while using alcohol or drugs.
- Keep a bucket of water or garden hose close in case of emergency.
- After fireworks complete their burning, douse them with water to prevent trash fires.
Remember that fireworks may be illegal in your area. Check beforehand to see if any types of fireworks are illegal in your city. Oklahoma City has an ordinance that makes it illegal to purchase, use, manufacture or sell fireworks within city limits.
“The safest way to celebrate is by going to a professional fireworks display,” Hixson said.
Although fireworks can be dangerous, you can minimize your risk by using these tips to avoid burns, injuries and fires this Independence Day.
About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for more than 21,000 patients from over 220 federally recognized tribes every year. American Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please call (405) 948-4900 or visit www.okcic.com.
