America’s birthday is coming up, and you might be planning on celebrating by shooting off all sorts of fireworks.

We want you to stay safe during the 4th of July and the two weekends that bookend it. Our Emergency Department and Immediate Care Centers typically see an increase in patient volume that coincides with 4th of July celebrations.

So, our first piece of advice is that you watch a professional fireworks show with the family and don’t set them off yourself. If you combine the injury risk with the fact that detonating most consumer fireworks is illegal in Illinois, it just makes sense to watch a licensed show in your area.

But if you insist upon being a do it yourselfer when it comes to fireworks, here are a handful of safety tips. For the complete list, visit the National Council on Fireworks Safety.

• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated shooter.”
• Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
• Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter them or combine them.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.

As you celebrate (safely!), remember that Sherman has Immediate Care Centers close by. Happy 4th!