Keep Fireworks Fun with Eight Safety Tips from NurseWise

ST. LOUIS - June 12, 2014 - PRLog -- Summer time is a cheerful and enjoyable time of year filled with barbeques, laughter and good times for family and friends. Community fireworks displays and family fireworks shows are often the culminating event of summer holidays and special occasions. June is Fireworks Safety Month, and the health care experts at NurseWise, a nurse triage and health education provider, have compiled a list of tips to fireproof your fireworks fun, so you can get the most out of your special celebrations.

Here’s a list of fireworks safety tips from NurseWise:

1.    Safety starts before you buy. When the time arrives to elicit awe and splendor from family and friends with the beauty of your personal fireworks display, make it a priority to only purchase fireworks from reliable dealers. Always look for certified product safety labels because fireworks with safety labels have undergone inspection to verify their compliance with industry-regulated quality standards. Never purchase or ignite fireworks without product instructions or safety labels.

2.    Get AHOD (All Hands On Deck). Adult supervision is a requirement at all times. Always have at least one or two people over the age of 18 present to monitor the igniting of fireworks of any type. If you have small children, it’s best to have a parent or guardian present who can respond appropriately and act quickly in the event of an emergency. Children should keep a safe distance from the vicinity of fireworks setups and out of the path of traveling fireworks. Fireworks are unpredictable and can cause significant damage and death if not handled properly.

3.    Duds are done. Ineffective fireworks are often referred to as duds. Never under any circumstances should you relight a dud firework. If a firework fails to ignite, wait 20 minutes then add it to a bucket of cool water. Do not allow children to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some fireworks can reach up to 1000°F and can take a while to cool down.

4.    Don’t bring the outdoors in. A common misconception is that sparklers and other less flammable fireworks are acceptable to light indoors, but using any type of firework indoors can create extensive damage and injuries. Even when you’re outdoors, always remember to stay clear of people, buildings, vehicles, flammable substances and vegetation.

5.    Water works wonders. A great safety tip is to keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby to extinguish lingering flames. After fireworks have been lit, they can remain hot for a significant period of time so be certain to give fireworks enough time to cool down before handling. Also, soak your fireworks in water before discarding them in trash receptacles – both inside and outside.

6.    Keep a first-aid kit handy.You will never regret being overly prepared.Prepare or purchase a first-aid kit equipped with gauze, bandages and anti-bacterial ointment, just in case an emergency occurs.

7.    Report illegal explosives. If you see or hear suspicious or outlandish fireworks, report it to your local police stationimmediately. Illegal fireworks are disruptive and dangerous and can cause permanent auditory and bodily injuries.

8.    Don’t forget about Fluffy. Most likely, your pets don’t like the sound of fireworks. This can be an incredibly scary and stressful time for your little furry friends. Bringing pets indoors will help comfort them and keep them from experiencing unnecessary stress and anxiety.

For more information and other safety tips, please visit http://fireworkssafety.org.

About NurseWise

NurseWise is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation that is in the business of providing multilingual telehealth (nurse triage and health education) services. We partner with health plans, hospitals, providers, colleges and universities, and other specialty organizations to ensure all callers have access to high quality, appropriate care. Our services are designed to encourage callers to become active participants in their health care, engaging in activities that promote appropriate utilization of care resources as well as better health outcomes for individuals and their families. We have provided uninterrupted service every day since 1995. NurseWise experienced Customer Care Professionals and Registered Nurses at our Clinical Care Centers^TM across the country provide Care.Right.Now. through delivery of health information, education, and advice in a culturally and linguistically sensitive manner. NurseWise has locations in Tempe, Ariz.; El Paso, Texas; Tyler, Texas; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Atlanta, Ga.; and St. Louis, Mo. For more information, please visit our website www.nursewise.com or contact us at info@nursewise.com.