Fireworks Safety

By Michael Schurrer, MD, ASHH Emergency Department Medical Director

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, one of the aspects of this holiday we all need to keep in the front of our minds is fireworks safety. Every year, we see an increase in burns in the Emergency Department from accidents with fireworks - and there are several more that occur annually that don't warrant emergency attention, but are still highly preventable.

To help you celebrate safely this Fourth of July, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety have offered the following safety tips:

• Always read and follow label directions. 
• Have an adult present. 
• Buy from reliable sellers. 
• Use outdoors only. 
• Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket). 
• Never experiment or make your own fireworks. 
• Light only one firework at a time. 
• Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water). 
• Never give fireworks to small children.
• If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
• Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trashcan.
• Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
• The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
• Stay away from illegal explosives.

It is extremely important to know the difference between a legal consumer firework and a dangerous explosive device. Items such as M-80s, M-100s and blockbusters are not fireworks, they are federally-banned explosives that can cause serious injury or even death. Although I've treated numerous injuries caused by illegal fireworks over the years, the most common injuries come from legal fireworks used in an unsafe manner - often with children who weren't supervised while playing with the fireworks.

It's important for parents to know that fireworks should NEVER be given to young children without close, adult supervision. Even sparklers can cause severe burns if not used properly.

We hope you have a safe, enjoyable Fourth of July this year and every year.

Dr. Michael Schurrer is the Medical Director of the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital Emergency Department.