#fireworkssafety

One year after fireworks mishap, will Stadium of Fire be any safer?

More details on my website

One year after the fireworks mishap, will Stadium of Fire be any safer?

More details on my website

The familiar snaps, bangs and booms that accompany the Fourth of July are upon us. Holidays like the Fourth are an opportunity to make great memories. This weekend is also the time urgent care centers and ERs see an uptick in injuries, like burns, that can result from improper or unsafe use. There are a few tips to keep you and your family safe. 

If not handled properly, fireworks can cause burns and eye injuries in kids and adults. And even though some types of fireworks are legal, the easiest way to protect your family is to leave the lighting to the professionals. 

If fireworks are legal where you live – check your local city or county ordinances or police department to make sure - keep these safety tips in mind:

·      Kids shouldn’t light fireworks; keep them as safe spectators. Things like firecrackers, rockets and even sparklers are dangerous. If you give kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from the face, clothing and hair. Sparklers can get hot enough to melt gold. 

·      Always have a responsible adult supervise fireworks activities, especially sparklers. Have a bucket of water to catch the spent wires. Stepping on a recently used sparkler can cause second- and even third-degree burns. 

·      Follow the instructions provided with the fireworks. Don’t attempt to modify or light multiple at a time. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks. Don’t stand over or above fireworks as you light them. 

·      Keep a bucket of water or hose close by in case of fire.

·      Never point or throw fireworks at another person. Also, never aim them at or above a crowd. 

·      Aim fireworks away from homes, buildings or flammable areas (leaves, dry brush, etc.)

·      Never try to relight or pickup firework duds. They still may explode with little warning. 

·      Remember, alcohol and fireworks don’t mix. Don’t light any fireworks if you’ve been drinking. 

Eye injuries and burns are some of the most common accidents providers see. If an eye injury occurs, don’t rub, or let a child, rub their eyes. This can cause more damage. Don’t flush the eye with water or apply any ointment. Cut the bottom from a paper cup and cover the eye. Seek medical attention immediately.

If a burn occurs, remove any burned clothing and make sure the burn is clean. Run it under cool – not cold – water. Superficial burns can often be cared for at home, but some may require immediate medical care. Any burns that occur around the eyes or face, burns that char the skin or large burns should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Since Iowa legalized some fireworks, firework-related injuries in the state have jumped nearly 70% from previous years. Burns are the most frequent injuries, but the potential for much more severe injuries – or even death – is very possible. 

If you plan to celebrate with your own fireworks show, make sure to check local laws and city ordinances to ensure that you’re allowed. Check any relevant restrictions for days and times. And follow these 10 tips to help ensure you have a safe and accident-free holiday!

Kids love to watch them… adults need to light them. Fireworks are dangerous and should never be in the hands of a child. A child should never light, hold or throw a lit firecracker.

Fireworks and alcohol don’t mix. Safe handling of fireworks requires a steady hand and a clear head. Alcohol affects your decision-making, alertness and reaction time, three skills you need if you’re lighting fireworks.

Gear up. A hot spark can shoot at you before you have time to react. Protect your eyes by wearing safety goggles if you’re the one lighting fireworks. Wear tight-fitting clothes so that extra fabric won’t catch on fire.

Look up and stay back. Some available fireworks can be pretty large. Everyone should stay back from the launch zone in a safe area. Make sure your audience, especially children, are in the safe area, light only one at a time and join the viewers in the safe zone as soon as the firework ignites.

Be conscious of the conditions. Wind plus dry grass can be a recipe for a fire. Make sure the weather conditions don’t create added hazards.

Keep water or fire extinguisher on hand. Always have a fire extinguisher or water source like a hose nearby in case of an emergency. 

Never relight. Sometimes a firework fizzles and doesn’t actually work. Never try to light it again. Instead, wait for it to cool off, soak it with water and dispose of it properly.

Pick up everything and throw it all away. Fireworks leave a lot of debris scattered. When the show’s over, wet down all spent shells and firecrackers and put them in a metal trash can away from any flammable materials.

Be a good neighbor. Fireworks are loud, disruptive and scary for some kids and pets. Be aware of anyone, or any pet, in the area who might be affected and be extra considerate.

Store unused fireworks safely. If anything is left over or you stocked up for the next holiday, store it in a cool, dry place away from any ignition sources.

When Things go BOOM in the Night - Fireworks Safety

  For most of us, the Fourth of July is a time to enjoy the company of family and friends, having fun and creating memories - whether at home or away on vacation.