Home Fireworks Safety

What you should do to prevent a burn injury this summer

Who doesn’t love fireworks? Their bright colors and big booms generate oohs and aahs from everyone celebrating our nation’s birthday.

But fireworks are more dangerous than beautiful if they’re not used properly. Illegal varieties can be found, and even the legal types—such as sparklers and magic snakes— can be hazardous. “The best way to avoid being injured is to leave fireworks in the hands of professionals,” says Allentown assistant fire chief Dan Sell.

Unfortunately, not enough people heed that warning. Every year, nearly 11,000 Americans (half of them under age 15) are treated in emergency rooms for injuries caused by fireworks.

Often the cause is sparklers, which can reach temperatures of 1,200°F. “That’s hotter than your kitchen stove,” says Joanne McLaughlin, R.N., community educator for Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network’s Regional Burn Center. “When children get too close to the stove, you tell them to stay away. Giving them something to play with that’s hotter than the stove doesn’t make sense.”

If you do choose to use fireworks at home, follow these guidelines:

Purchase wisely—Buy from a reliable seller, and don’t buy or use fireworks without labels or posted warnings.

Follow precautions—Use fireworks only under adult supervision. Have a bucket of water or hose nearby, and if a firework malfunctions, don’t relight or handle it. Don’t wear loose clothing while using fireworks, and be sure to wear leather gloves for sparklers.

If a burn injury occurs—Remove burned clothes. Cool the burn immediately with room-temperature water, then cover it with a clean, dry cloth. Don’t put ice, ointments, sprays, creams or butter on the burn. Go to the hospital, preferably one with a burn center.

Want to Know More For a list of legal and illegal fireworks, call 610-402-CARE or click here.

Published from Healthy You Magazine, July-August 2008

ARTICLE TOOLS: