Some say it wouldn’t be the Fourth of July without fireworks - a tradition that injures nearly 10,000 Americans each year, of which almost half are children. Fireworks may be beautiful, but they’re best seen and heard from a distance, according to Beaumont doctors.
“Fireworks can result in burns, but the percussion, concussion and velocity of an exploding firework can also be dangerous,” says Patrick Pettengill, M.D., Beaumont Emergency Center physician. “Even sparklers reach temperatures that will burn. So, I’d encourage people to leave fireworks to the professionals and go out and enjoy a fireworks show in your local community.”
The American College of Emergency Physicians strongly suggests that individuals not use fireworks at home. However, realizing many will choose to do so, Dr. Pettengill offers this list of do’s and don’ts that can help make for a safer Fourth of July.
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DO:
- Buy legal fireworks from a reputable dealer
- Read warning labels and follow all instructions
- Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher on hand
- Light fireworks one at a time
- Dispose of all fireworks properly
DON’T:
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- Give any fireworks, including sparklers, to small children; supervise older children
- Light fireworks indoors or near other objects
- Wear loose clothing while using any fireworks
- Set off fireworks in glass or metal containers- the fragments can cause severe injury
- Approach and try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks
