Celebrate safely
Fireworks can be awe-inspiring, but they’re dangerous, too.
“Despite laws prohibiting fireworks within the city, there are people who still choose to use them. They are entertaining but highly dangerous,” said Crystal Conwell, trauma coordinator at White Rock Medical Center.
It’s best to leave fireworks to the professionals. If you are around someone who does set them off, you should know how to stay safe, she added.
Follow these safety steps:
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move quickly away.
- Never lean over lit fireworks. Once you light the fireworks, immediately back up to a safe distance.
- If you find unexploded fireworks, never relight or handle them. Soak with water and throw them away.
- Keep a bucket of water or garden hose near the area where you’re lighting fireworks.
- Never point or throw fireworks at anyone.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket.
- Do not set off fireworks in a metal or glass container.
- After fireworks have burned out, douse them with plenty of water before throwing them away to prevent a trash fire.
- Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise teens using fireworks.
- Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
- Only use fireworks outdoors.
What if someone gets hurt?
If someone suffers an injury from a common firework, start first aid right away. For serious and life-threatening injuries, seek medical help by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room.
Minor burns:
- Start cooling the burn immediately with running cool or room temperature water
- Place a clean and dry dressing on it
- Seek medical attention
Explosion injury:
- Hold pressure on the wound to control bleeding
- Seek emergency medical attention right away by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room
Learn more about fireworks safety from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at cpsc.gov.