‘Be careful’: Tampa families prepare to safely celebrate the Fourth of July

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — With the Fourth of July holiday just days away, many are expecting to light fireworks, and while the dazzling light shows can be exciting, they are also dangerous.

While families plan for fireworks celebrations, doctors are urging everyone to play it safe.
From firecrackers to sparklers Galaxy Fireworks has it all.

“When I look for fireworks, I look for the shots really, an aerial view and the loudness,” shopper Denisa Becham said.

Becham said she carefully looks at all the options to keep her children safe.

“When you light them, sometimes you don’t know. The fuse is kind of short, as you light them, it’s going to start the event, and we do not like kids lighting them,” Becham said.

Fireworks are fun, but doctors at AdventHealth in Tampa are reminding everyone, that they are still explosives.

“So, the burn is instantaneous. It goes through all layers of skin and can cause permanent scarring and damage. Imagine if you have something on the face, the eyes, or the mouth [can] cause swelling and permanent disfigurement. Let’s be extra careful with the kids,” Joyce Perfetti. a doctor at AdventHealth, said.

Not everyone heeds the warning which is why local emergency rooms still see injuries every Independence holiday. But children like Jasmine Rogers are learning to put safety first.

“We have the stick, we hold it out and we’re like, don’t put it close to your face,” Rogers said.

Another safety tip to keep in mind is dousing used fireworks in water before throwing them away.

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