Picnics, parades, barbecues, and fireworks displays… it must be summer and the time of year to celebrate the independence of our country. Fireworks are festive and fun, but it is important to remember that they are also dangerous.
As we prepare to enjoy Independence Day fireworks displays, let’s make this a safe holiday by understanding the risks and exercising a few simple fireworks safety rules.
Consider the following statistics:
- What is the financial damage of errant fireworks? 2004 yielded a reported $21 million in direct property damage from fireworks.
- When do these injuries happen? About 60% of fireworks injuries in the U.S. happen in the month surrounding the July 4th holiday.
- Who are the most affected? Children 14 years and younger sustained nearly half of the injuries related to fireworks during the month around this holiday.
- An estimated 10,800 people were treated in U.S. emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries in 2005.
- What types of fireworks cause injuries? Firecrackers (26%), sparklers (17%), and rockets (17%) accounted for most of the injuries seen in emergency departments from June 18 and July 18, 2005. Sparklers were associated with over half of the estimated injuries among children under 5 years during the same time period.
- What are the most common fireworks-related injuries? Injuries from fireworks most often affect the hands, eyes, head, face and ears.
Some very simple rules can eradicate most of the injuries identified above, making the Independence Day holiday more pleasant for everyone.
- Never allow young children to handle any kind of fireworks. Most think sparklers are “safe,” but sparklers heat up to 1,800 to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause severe burns.
- Adult supervision should be present any time children are around fireworks.
- Light fireworks where they are legal and in a clear area away from onlookers, houses, yards or other flammable materials.
- Only light one device at a time, and maintain a safe distance from the device after lighting.
- Horseplay around fireworks should be forbidden.
- Never light devices in a container.
- If fireworks malfunction and fail to ignite, do not try to relight or handle them. Instead, douse and soak them with water and discard safely.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case a fire begins.
Treatment for burns
- If a burn occurs, run the body part under cold water. This will help stop the burning of tissue. Never use butter or other oily substances on burns, as these promote burning and cause further damage.
- If the burn is severe or if you are unsure of its severity, seek medical attention immediately. Loosely wrap the burned area in a clean sheet or moist towel to avoid further germs from entering the wound.
- Never apply ice directly to the skin or burn. If clothing is burned, do not try to remove it. Rather, seek immediate medical care by calling the emergency number in your area.
In short, the safest way to prevent fireworks-related injuries is to leave fireworks displays to trained professionals.
Make it a fun and fabulous summer and 4th of July from St. John Injury Prevention!
Special thanks to the CDC and the National Safety Council for statistical information and to MayoClinic.com for first aid tips or burns.
