Firework Safety

Hospital emergency rooms nationwide treat about 10,000 accidents are linked to fireworks every year-and that's just over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, not taking into account the rest of the year.

Typically, the best way to protect your family and guests (and give those EMTs a break on the holiday) is to attend a public fireworks display. Check your local news outlets and government websites for lists of public shows.

If you do choose to put on your own display, make sure you check out your municipal and state rules regarding fireworks (they may only be allowed in your city within a certain time frame, or not at all). You should also take the following safety precautions:

1. Kids shouldn't play with fireworks.
When is the last time you were talking to parents of your kids' friends and someone said "And then we gave the kids some weapons-grade explosives, and MAN did they have a BLAST!"?

Exactly. And if you give them sparklers to play with, make sure they are well-supervised. Sparklers can reach temperatures of 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit-hot enough to melt gold. Check out the Consumer Product Safety Commission for suggestions on how to discuss fireworks safety with your children.

2. Buy legal fireworks.
It's not just checking whether they're allowed within your city limits—"legal" in this sense means that they have a label with the manufacturer's name and ignition instructions. Illegal fireworks account for a fair amount of fireworks injuries. On this note, don't try to make your own fireworks.

3. Keep water and sand nearby.
It's like keeping a fire extinguisher near the kitchen. You will also need to soak all used fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.

4. Point fireworks away from homes.
and brush, leaves, and anything else that's flammable.

5. Think about your pets.
You'll want to keep track of any outdoor pets to make sure they don't get in the way of any fireworks, but consider the indoor creatures as well. Animals have very sensitive ears. They may panic and even attack if they perceive themselves to be in danger. Any animal bites legally need to be reported, and can affect your home insurance rates just as a fireworks mishap could, so be sure you keep the animals away.

6. Know the first aid basics.
There should be a first aid kit in every home anyway, but it's worth repeating. If someone is injured by a firework, immediately go to a doctor or the hospital.

If it's an eye injury caused by a firework, don't allow the victim to touch or rub it, as this could cause more damage. Cut out the bottom of a paper cup, place it around the eye to protect it from further irritation, and seek medical attention.

If the firework burns someone, remove any fabric (clothing, etc) from the affected area and run cool (NOT COLD) water over it. Get to the doctor.

Fireworks are meant to be fun, and are a traditional part of American celebrations. Enjoy the holidays safely!