As the Fourth of July approaches, many people are looking forward to celebrating with fireworks. While fireworks can be a fun and exciting part of the festivities, they also come with significant risks.
“The Fourth of July is a time of year when people love to go out, celebrate and enjoy fireworks,” says Jenna Mullins, M.D., a family medicine resident at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse. “However, it’s important to be aware that accidents can and do happen. The most common injuries we see are burns and injuries from flying debris.”
Common fireworks injuries
Dr. Mullins emphasizes eye injuries, which can be severe and sometimes irreversible, as one of her biggest concerns. In the event of a fireworks-related burn, Dr. Mullins recommends seeking emergency treatment immediately.
“If you get a burn, the first thing you should do is call 911. You may not immediately know the extent of the injury, so it’s important to get medical help as soon as possible,” advises Dr. Mullins. “In the meantime, make sure you are in a safe area, ensure that the fire is contained, and try to cool the burned area while keeping it clean. You can use cold water or a cold washcloth to rinse the burn, but avoid using ice directly on the burn as it can cause further damage.”
General fireworks safety precautions
Dr. Mullins stresses the importance of keeping a safe distance from fireworks and ensuring that there are no flammable materials nearby.
“Make sure you are not in the debris area and have a way to extinguish any accidental fires quickly. Even sparklers, which seem harmless, can reach temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit,” she notes. “It’s crucial to supervise children closely when they are using sparklers and to have water on hand to fully extinguish them after use.”
Additional fireworks safety tips from Mayo Clinic:
Read and follow all instructions. Only use fireworks as intended by the manufacturer.
Never point or throw fireworks. Always aim fireworks away from people, animals and structures.
Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby. In case of a fire or other mishap, having water on hand can help contain and extinguish fires quickly.
Light fireworks one at a time. Never light multiple fireworks at once, and move back quickly after lighting them.
Dispose of fireworks properly. After the fireworks have burned out, douse them with water before disposing of them in a metal trash can.
For more information on fireworks safety, visit the Mayo Clinic website at Mayo Clinic Fireworks Safety.
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