Keep fireworks safety in mind this Fourth of July

The time has come: We’re going to blow things up in the sky to make pretty lights. Travis County Emergency Services District No. 2 recently shared some Independence Day firework safety tips via news release. The district saw a 142 percent increase in normal call volume during the holiday last year, and authorities responded to 97 incidents, including medical calls, grass fires, trash fires and structure fires, according to the release. So, those tips:

• Discuss fireworks safety with your family beforehand.
• Make sure adult supervision is present.
• Don’t light fireworks if you’ve been drinking.
• Don’t leave any used fireworks around where your pets might get into them.
• Only light fireworks outside and on a flat surface that’s away from homes, buildings, dry grass and leaves.
• Never lean over the fireworks when lighting them.
• Soak fireworks in water before throwing them in the trash.

Fireworks sales start Saturday and will continue through midnight on July 4, according to the Texas Department of Insurance. Review Travis County’s fireworks rules here. Get more safety tips here.