Fireworks safety tips for the Fourth of July

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - The Fourth of July means parades, barbecue, patriotic decorations and, of course, fireworks. Sadly, it also means trauma doctors see a spike in injuries.

Dr. Chad Wilson, associate professor of surgery at Baylor College of Medicine and associate trauma director at Harris Health System's Ben Taub Hospital, shared safety suggestions to keep you and your family safe this holiday.

Safety tips

• Always have adult supervision
• Use eye protection
• Maintain distance once fireworks are lit
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy
• Do not alter or relight fireworks
• Do not wear loose clothing
• Do not consume alcohol
• Only light fireworks where the law permits
• Many injuries that occur are burns If a burn is small and looks similar to a sunburn, wash it with cold water and apply light dressing If the area bubbles or is a waxy texture, visit the emergency room
• If a burn is small and looks similar to a sunburn, wash it with cold water and apply light dressing
• If the area bubbles or is a waxy texture, visit the emergency room
• For eye injuries, wash out with water and do not put anything on it. Avoid scratching/rubbing the area
• Teach children fireworks safety