July 4th is this weekend!! Are you planning to have fireworks light up the sky after your day of celebration? Here is some food for thought: In its most recent report, the Consumer Products Safety Commission reported that an estimated 9,000 people were injured by fireworks in 2019. At Resurgens Orthopaedics, we often treat fireworks-related injuries around this time of year. Here are some tips on how to prevent injuries during your Independence Day celebration:
Never hold lit fireworks in your hands
The majority of fireworks injuries are burns to the hands and fingers, and in many cases, limbs have been lost entirely. Follow the instructions on the fireworks' packaging, and never hold them in your hands after lighting.
Keep a hose or bucket of water nearby
Fireworks can easily start a fire that can engulf a house in minutes. If you're doing a fireworks display, try to keep it a safe distance from flammable materials and keep a water hose nearby in case something catches on fire.
Never allow children to play with fireworks unsupervised
Children aged 5-9 had the highest rate of emergency room visits from fireworks injuries, and nearly half of all injuries reported were to people under the age of 20. If you're allowing children to use fireworks, be sure to supervise them at all times.
Beware of sparklers
While they might seem harmless, the intense heat from a sparkler can cause a serious burn for children and adults alike. Wearing gloves or using a shield may help decrease the risk of a burn. It is recommended to light one sparkler at a time to avoid the risk of a flare-up. Before disposing of a used sparkler, place them in water or sand and dispose of them according to package directions.
Wet down fireworks before disposal
A good number of fires are started after the display is over. Your trashcan is full of flammable materials, so be sure to thoroughly soak your spent fireworks before throwing them away.
A fireworks-related injury can put a damper on your Independence Day celebration pretty quickly, so don't forget about safety when you put on your display. We hope these tips help to keep your family safe. If you suffer an orthopaedic injury during your July 4th celebrations, call Resurgens Orthopaedics or schedule an appointment online today!