Fourth of July safety recommendations from a local doctor

Waco, TX (FOX 44 ) — When it comes to celebrating the Fourth of July most people think of lighting fireworks and relaxing on the lake.

Dr. Randy Hartman an emergency physician and medical director at Baylor Scott and white says just because you’re out lighting fireworks and enjoying the day doesn’t mean you should end up in the ER on the fourth.

“We try to remind everyone at this time of year that never hold fireworks in their hands. Never light them in your hands. People like to light firecrackers and then throw them,” says Hartman.

And there’s more, don’t ever put firecrackers in glass containers. Because if it explodes, the shards of glass can cause serious damage to your body.

And never light a firework while holding it.

“If you have a firecracker, go off in your open hand like that, it’s going to hurt, it’s going to leave scorches and maybe some first and some second degree burns,” says Hartman.

Dr. Hartman also wants to remind everyone that when disposing of fireworks douse them with water.

“A lot of them remain hot for a period of time and you just can’t throw that in the trash,” says Hartman.

Making sure they are properly extinguished will guarantee you won’t burn your property or someone else’s down.

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