Published: July 03, 2008 12:00 pm            

Keep your 4th safe and happy | Be careful with fireworks and alcohol

Hamburgers, hot dogs and potato salad – staples of a great family picnic. A dip in the pool. Community concerts. And, of course, loud and colorful fireworks.

It’s the Fourth of July and all are traditions of the celebrations on tap for most of us today.

What a wonderful time of the year, in the height of summer. And its extra special this year because it falls on a Friday, giving families a chance to share a three-day weekend.

But as we celebrate our nation’s freedoms and the signing of the Declaration of Independence 232 years ago, please remember that not every American is able to share in a joyous time today.

War rages in Iraq and Afghanistan, deadly reminders that our freedoms will always be challenged. More than two centuries of battles at home and around the world are testimony to that.

While you celebrate, do it wisely. If you drink alcohol, do so responsibly; allow someone else to drive you home.

If you use or are around fireworks, be careful.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 9,200 people were treated in emergency rooms across the country in 2006 as a result of the mishandling of fireworks. The commission says that children ages 15 and younger account for 36 percent of all fireworks injuries.

Those are staggering figures.

Dr. Daniel Wehner, chairman of the emergency department at Memorial Medical Center, says the most common injuries his unit sees from fireworks are to the hands and eyes and burns to the body.

“We see people holding sparklers too long and their fingers are burned,” he said.

Don’t be a statistic this year. Have fun, eat hearty and enjoy time with your family and friends. But do it safely.

God bless America.

        

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