Learn about fireworks safety

In a release, Yale-New Haven Hospital, courtesy of Dr. Grant Thomson, plastic and reconstructive hand specialist, and YNHH emergency room physicians, offered this advise on fireworks safety.

 

The following is from a press release, shared here as a public service:

 

With the long July 4^th holiday weekend approaching and June being Fireworks Safety Awareness month, a steady stream of seriously injured adults and children into hospital emergency rooms will likely follow. Doctors call this period "trauma season.”

 

“Every year, we treat 10-20 individuals in our emergency room for injuries resulting from the mishandling of fireworks, most from illegal fireworks, such as M-80s,” said Dr. Thomson.” Alcohol is often involved too. The injuries we see the most involve the hands, face, and chest, and result in digit loss, and permanent disfigurement and scarring. All of which are preventable and avoidable.”

 

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”), there were an estimated 9,600 fireworks related injuries during the Fourth of July season in 2013.  Most of these injuries would not have occurred if the fireworks had been used under close adult supervision and if some basic safety steps had been taken. The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these common sense safety tips for using consumer fireworks in hopes that injuries to consumers can be greatly reduced or eliminated:

 

• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Use fireworks as directed on consumer product safety label; never alter products.
• Observe local laws and use good COMMON SENSE.
• A responsible ADULT should supervise all firework activities.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.  Save your alcohol for after the show.
• If you must use fireworks, use OUTDOORS in a clear area; AWAY from buildings and vehicles.
• NEVER carry fireworks in your POCKET.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor trash can.

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