With warm weather and family events, the Fourth of July can be a
fun time with great memories. But before your family celebrates,
make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety.
If not handled properly, fireworks can cause burn and eye
injuries in kids and adults. In 2003, six deaths were linked to
fireworks and hospital emergency departments treated 9,300
fireworks injuries.
The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks
at home - period. Attend public fireworks displays, and leave the
lighting to the professionals.
Lighting fireworks at home isn't even legal in many areas,
so if you still want to use them, be sure to check with your local
police department first. If they're legal where you live, keep
these safety tips in mind:
- Kids should never play with fireworks. Things like
firecrackers, rockets, and sparklers are just too dangerous. If
you give kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and
away from the face, clothing, and hair. Sparklers can reach
1,800º Fahrenheit (982º Celsius) - hot enough to melt gold.
- Buy only legal fireworks (legal fireworks have a label with
the manufacturer's name and directions; illegal ones are
unlabeled), and store them in a cool, dry place. Illegal
fireworks usually go by the names M-80, M100, blockbuster, or
quarterpounder. These explosives were banned in 1966, but still
account for many fireworks injuries.
- Never try to make your own fireworks.
- Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a
hose nearby in case of accidents.
- Steer clear of others - fireworks have been known to backfire
or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point
fireworks at someone, even in jest.
- Don't hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of
your body over them while lighting. Wear some sort of eye
protection, and avoid carrying fireworks in your pocket - the
friction could set them off.
- Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush and
leaves and flammable substances. The National Fire Protection
Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more
50,000
fires
caused by fireworks each year.
- Light one firework at a time (not in glass or metal
containers), and
never
relight a dud.
- Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an
event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any
time.
- Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them
in the trash can.
- Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be
extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets
indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run loose or get
injured.
If a child is injured by fireworks, immediately go to a doctor
or hospital. If an
eye injury
occurs, don't allow your child to touch or rub it, as this may
cause even more damage. Also, don't flush the eye out with
water or attempt to put any ointment on it. Instead, cut out the
bottom of a paper cup, place it around the eye, and immediately
seek medical attention - your child's eyesight may depend on
it. If it's a
burn
, remove clothing from the burned area and run cool, not cold,
water over the burn (do not use ice). Call your doctor
immediately.
Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed, but you'll enjoy them
much more knowing your family is safe. Take extra precautions this
Fourth of July and your holiday will be a blast!
Reviewed by:
Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: July 2008
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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