With fireworks starting to fly off store shelves ahead of the July 4 weekend and many backyard bonfires planned, Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial family physician Randall Ceton, MD, offers a few tips to stay safe.
Ceton said emergency room treatment for fireworks-related injuries went up 50 percent between 2019 and 2020, possibly because the COVID-19 pandemic shut down public fireworks displays, and individuals may have turned to more fireworks use at their homes, according to data. Burns make up most fireworks injuries, at 44 percent, according to the Consumers Safety Product Commission. Firecrackers and sparklers are the most common causes of injuries, with sparklers capable of reaching temperatures up to 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals, Ceton said, citing CSPC data.
Basic safety tips when enjoying fireworks include:
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move away from the fireworks device quickly.
• Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
• After lighting fireworks, immediately move to a safe distance. Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
• Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
• After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Ceton said: “I’m grateful for these safety precautions that anyone can follow so we can celebrate our nation’s Independence Day with family, friends and fireworks, while staying safe at the same time.”
Ceton said common areas of injuries are hands and fingers, followed by the head, face and ears.
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