The summer season and 4th of July holiday bring together family traditions of fireworks and backyard grilling, unfortunately there are potential dangers associated with those activities.
The Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center at Eskenazi Health urges everyone to avoid lighting their own fireworks this July 4, and to be extra careful while grilling. Leave lighting fireworks to the professionals and attend a firework display show instead.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) stated that in recent years fireworks were involved with an estimated 10,200 injuries annually in U.S., occurring in the one month surrounding the July 4 holiday. The injuries with the highest estimated emergency department visits were firecrackers followed by sparklers.
“Although it is very easy to get wrapped up in the holiday season, it is crucial to be alert of one’s safety,” said Leigh Spera, M.D., medical director of the Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center at Eskenazi Health. “Every year, we see serious injuries from fireworks. These injuries have increased throughout the years, and we encourage avoidance of lighting your own fireworks all together.”
Dr. Spera said that injuries occur most often to the hands, face and eyes. She said that many times those injuries occur from lighting devices while holding them or carelessly playing with them, even if they are considered minor, like sparklers. Fireworks malfunctions are also to blame for numerous injuries each year, with 43% of selected and tested fireworks found to contain illegal components that could lead to severe injuries.
With the many fireworks shows planned in Central Indiana around July 4, Dr. Spera suggests attending one of those light displays instead. If you do decide to light fireworks at home, exercise extreme caution, and be sure to follow these precautions:
- Never allow children to light or play with fireworks.
- Never use fireworks while intoxicated
- Avoid buying fireworks in brown paper packaging, which is a sign they are made for professional displays.
- Avoid wearing loose clothing that could catch fire.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move away quickly.
- Keep a fire extinguisher, bucket of water, or garden hose nearby in case of fire.
- Never try to relight a burned out or “dud” firework. Soak it in water and throw it away.
- Never take fireworks apart or modify them in any way.
Like fireworks, customary 4th of July celebrations include grilling. However, there are precautions that should be adhered to in order to make grilling a safe and pleasant experience. To keep you and your family safe, please follow these guidelines:
- Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.
- Grills should be located well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Keep children and pets away from the grilling area.
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
- Never leave your grill unattended.
“Stop, drop and roll is still the recommended method to put out a fire on the body caused by fireworks or grilling,” Dr. Spera said. “If you are burned, remove all clothing and jewelry from the burned area and apply cool (not cold) water to stop the burning process. Cover the area with a dry, loose bandage or sheet. Immediately seek medical attention and call 911.”
In addition, the Indiana Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Ophthalmology are reminding Hoosiers that fireworks can cause serious and permanent eye injuries—especially for children and those not even handling them.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, fireworks can cause devastating eye injuries such as chemical and thermal burns, corneal abrasions, and even retinal detachment.
The American Burn Association (ABA) and the American College of Surgeons recently recertified the Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center at Eskenazi Health as a recognized adult burn center. The burn center is renowned as one of the finest and most progressive burn centers in the country. The Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center is the only verified adult burn center in Indiana. For more information on burn prevention, please call the Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center’s burn prevention hotline at 1.866.339.BURN.