Firework Safety Tips for a Happy & Healthy Holiday Weekend
The Fourth of July is an exciting holiday filled with friends, family and typically, fireworks. While fireworks are a usual Fourth of July staple, they can be extremely dangerous and account for more than 10,000 injuries in 2022. If you find yourself around fireworks this year, there are many ways to ensure you and your family are protected to enjoy the holidays safely and happily!
The Basics
When lighting fireworks, make sure they are legal and safe to set up in your designated area. It’s also crucial before you start to have a bucket of water or a hose nearby and prepare for any possible mishaps. Never light them indoors, throw or point them at others, light them more than once, or handle fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Lastly, you want to always wear protective eyewear while preparing, handling and lighting fireworks.
Fireworks & Kiddos
If you have small children, there are many ways you can prevent possible injuries while still letting them enjoy the fireworks. While older children should use fireworks under adult supervision, younger children should never be able to handle fireworks or sparklers. Sparklers burn at 2,000 degrees and can quickly ignite clothing. There were 1,100 sparkler-related injuries in 2021, so finding safer alternatives to sparklers can help prevent possible injuries. Glow sticks, confetti poppers and colored streamers are great sparkler alternatives.
Younger children, especially newborns, need eye and ear protection during fireworks. While it doesn’t seem too loud to adult ears, it can damage an infant’s ears. Earmuffs, earplugs or headphones are all ways to protect their ears from noise exposure.
Eye Injuries & Burns
If an eye injury occurs while using fireworks, do not touch, rub or apply anything to the injury. Protect the eye and seek out medical attention immediately. If a burn occurs, remove the clothing and inspect the burn. If the burn has increased swelling, redness, warmth, pain or pus or involves the face, neck, hands or feet, seek immediate medical attention.
At Harbin Clinic, we wish our patients and community a safe and happy holiday weekend!
