The Fourth of July holiday is almost here, and many people are planning to celebrate with fireworks, cookouts, swimming and family gatherings.
Unfortunately, fireworks-related injuries are also common around this holiday. Last year nearly 10,000 people in the U.S. were treated in emergency rooms for firework injuries, with 42% of those injuries being burns.
Most fireworks injuries affected the hands and fingers, followed by the head and face.
If you’re planning on using fireworks this July Fourth, follow these safety tips to prevent injuring yourself or others:
• Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby in case of fire or mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never place any body part directly over fireworks when lighting the fuse.
• Never re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully ignited. Soak them in water and throw them away.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or other drugs.
Children are at an especially high risk of being injured by handheld sparklers. The safest option is to avoid these products entirely, but if you do choose to use them, there are several tips that can minimize the injury risk:
- Never let children younger than 5 use sparklers.
- Establish rules with kids ahead of time, including holding the sparkler away from the face, wearing shoes while using them and only using one sparkler at a time.
- Stay six feet away from others while using them.
Have a bucket of water ready to dispose of the sparklers once they burn down.
Parents should also be ready to give first aid for minor burns: put cool water over the burned area for a few minutes, then cover with a bandage. For more severe burns or eye injuries, go to the emergency room immediately.
Natalie Peters is the community health educator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
