Prepare yourself for a fun and safe Fourth of July by reading these important resources about fireworks safety

While families create memories on this national holiday, it's easy to assume that accidents won't happen to them. After all, what could happen to a child with a harmless sparkler? Here we list some important articles and resources to review before you purchase fireworks this season.

• Buying fireworks. Are you planning to buy fireworks this year? Be sure to read this article from the National Council on Fireworks Safety: Tips on Choosing Safe Fireworks
• Handling Fireworks. You can never be too safe about fireworks safety. Here are two articles we recommend: our blog post titled Fireworks Safety 101 and this article about fireworks safety from our health library.
• Fireworks and children. Do you have kids? Be sure to review these important Fourth of July safety tips written specifically for parents: Kid's health: Fireworks Safety.
• State laws. To ensure that your family stays as safe as possible, make sure to follow the Texas state laws for purchasing and handling fireworks.

Ultimately, our best advice would be to find a public venue and enjoy a fireworks display from afar. By allowing the professionals to handle the pyrotechnics, you can focus on more important things this national holiday: fun, food and family memories.

If your family needs emergency care this summer, text "ER" to 23000 to find out ER wait times at all HCA North Texas hospitals. As a level IV trauma center, Medical Center Arlington provides emergency care specialists who are ready to treat patients day or night. We also post our average wait time in our ER on our website. For a physician referral, please call 1-855-868-6262.

Related posts:
Fireworks Safety 101
Fast ER: Help When You Need It