July 04, 2008

Health Tip: Have a Safe Fourth of July

(HealthDay News) -- Food, fun and fireworks are all part of the Fourth of July holiday.

If they're legal in your area, following firework safety rules must be part of your holiday plans, too. In 2005, more than 10,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for firework injuries. Nearly half were under age 15, the U.S. National Safety Council says.

The council offers these suggestions if you decide to use fireworks:

• Children should never play with or near fireworks.
• Fireworks should only be used in areas far from people, homes, trees or any flammable materials.
• Only light one firework at a time, never in another container. Quickly move to a safe spot after lighting.
• Have a bucket of water nearby to extinguish any faulty fireworks.
• Fireworks that don't ignite should be soaked with water and thrown away. Never try to re-light them.

-- Diana Kohnle

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