Practice Firework Safety this Summer.

Published 07/02/2025

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), “Every year, thousands of people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related injuries.” The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports:

• In 2023, 9,700 people were treated in emergency rooms for firework injuries and 8 people died.
• 66% of injuries occurred in the weeks before and after the July 4^th holiday. 
• Teenagers ages 15-19 years had the highest rate of firework injuries followed by children ages 5-9.

Firework-related injuries are due to the improper use of professional-grade, homemade, or other illegal fireworks or explosives. Even small devices, like firecrackers and sparklers, can cause injuries if not used correctly. 

The National Fire Protection Association recommends viewing fireworks at a professional show and avoiding the use of fireworks at home. Replace fireworks with items like glow sticks, noise makers, or silly string.     

If you choose to use legal consumer fireworks this summer, the NSC offers the following safety tips:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
• Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
• Never point fireworks at another person. 

For a full list of firework safety tips, visit the NSC.

Stay Safe in the Summer Heat.

Published 07/02/2025

According to Ready.gov, “Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days.” Extreme heat can lead to heat-related illnesses and even death, especially among higher risk groups. These include older adults, young children, and people with chronic medical conditions (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – CDC). People who work outside in the heat are also at high risk (NSC). This is especially important in Texas, where temperatures can get into the 100’s in May, and stay high throughout the summer months. 

Know the signs of heat illness.

Heat exhaustion:

• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache 
• Upset stomach or vomiting
• Fainting

Heat stroke:

• Very high body temperature
• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Upset stomach
• Confusion
• Passing out

Take action.

Do:

• Call 911.
• Move the victim to a cool place.
• Remove unnecessary clothing.
• Immediately cool the victim.
• Keep cooling until the body temperature drops to 101 degrees.
• Monitor the victim’s breathing and be ready to give CPR if needed.

Do not:

• Force the victim to drink liquids.
• Apply rubbing alcohol to the skin.
• Allow victims to take pain relievers or salt tablets.

Visit the NEMSIS Heat-related EMS Activation Surveillance Dashboard to learn more about EMS responses to people experiencing heat-related emergencies. You can filter the dashboard by location, time period, and heat-related measures.  You can also see which U.S. regions are most affected by heat-related emergencies and how your region compares. 

Recreational Boating Safety Tips 

Published 07/02/2025

Prevent drowning and practice safety when participating in recreation boating this summer. 

The National Safe Boating Council states that in 2023 there were 11,546,512 recreational vessels registered in the U.S. These accidents resulted in:

• 43,844 boating incidents that involved 564 deaths,
• 2,126 injuries, and
• $63 million dollars property damage.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, “Each year, 75% of boating deaths are due to drowning, and 87% of those victims weren’t wearing life jackets.” The U.S. Coast recommends all recreational boaters should:

• Wear a life jacket.
• Take a boating safety course.
• Use your engine cut-off switch link.
• Don’t drink and boat.
• Register your emergency beacon.
• Get a free vessel safety check. 

Visit the U.S. Coast Guard webpage for a full explanation of each recommendation.

Find additional water safety tips for water skiers, tubers, and wakeboarders on the NSC’s Recreational Boating: Stay Safe on the Water page. 

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