Panhandle Public Health District encourages firework safety this 4th of July
Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades, and fireworks. The National Safety Council and Panhandle Public Health District encourages everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals or be sure to follow the safety tips below.
• Choose the right location.
• Designate a safety perimeter.
• Wait for the appropriate weather conditions.
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
• Older children should use them only under close adult supervision.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• Never drink and then drive to firework festivities.
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands.
• Never light them indoors.
• Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
• Never ignite devices in a container.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.
• Never use illegal fireworks.
• Check your local laws regarding fireworks.
• Remember to apply sunscreen while outdoors.
Nathan Flowers, City of Gering Fire Chief, states, “Fourth of July is a time to celebrate our independence with family and friends. This year we remind you to stay safe and have fun. Too often we become careless and have accidents, causing fires to damage homes and fields and cause injuries to our loved
ones. Even though we have received much needed moisture, fires can still occur from fireworks due to how hot they burn. PPHD has provided some great tips on ways to have a successful celebration.”
For additional information about worksite wellness, visit the website or call Nicole Berosek at 308-279-3496. The Panhandle Worksite Wellness Council is proudly part of Panhandle Public Health District and specializes in supporting employers in the Panhandle region. We recognize
that many employers support a diverse and remote workforce and offer innovative ways to overcome the challenge of working with a virtual team. We understand that many of our employers do not have full-time wellness resources and work to provide resources and training to make running a worksite wellness program as easy as possible.