KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – With Fourth of July Weekend celebrations on the horizon, officials with Ascension Borgess are reminding residents of some basic firework safety tips.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an average of 180 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday.
“It’s important to be proactive about fireworks safety. We see the most burn injuries during the summer months when fireworks are being used for holidays like the Fourth of July,” said Mark Miller, DO, medical director, emergency medicine at Ascension Borgess Hospital. “Using common sense and taking safety precautions can help prevent tragedy on what should be a fun day for the entire family.”
Fireworks-related injuries can affect the entire family; sparklers, commonly used by children, burn at 2,000 degrees.
“Adults and children are at risk for fireworks-related injuries if fireworks are not used safely,” Dr. Miller said. “If older children are playing with fireworks, they should be closely supervised, and adults should use fireworks responsibly.”
Ascension Borgess provided the following list of safety tips for fireworks:
- Point fireworks away from you and occupied areas, even when they aren’t lit.
- Do not let young children use sparklers and closely monitor older children’s use.
- Keep a water source nearby in case of fire and accidents. Understand “stop, drop and roll.”
- Only use legal fireworks approved for consumer use, and carefully follow manufacturers instructions.
- Do not use drugs or alcohol while lighting off fireworks.
- Never hold lit fireworks in your hands.
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Wear protective eye-wear.
Even in the most experienced hands, fireworks involve fire and explosives and are therefore inherently dangerous.
Officials also listed some safer options to consider:
- Glow sticks, an especially good option for children.
- Enjoy a public commercial show if possible.
The emergency room is still the safest place to receive care for serious firework-related injuries and burns, with precautions in place for your safety.
If you or a loved one experiences a firework-related injury or burn, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
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