10 Fireworks Safety Tips for Parents Ahead of July 4
'All fireworks (even the legal backyard ones) are combustibles that create their dazzling displays by flinging burning metallic powders using an explosive force,' says Chau Pham, MD, an ophthalmologist with UI Health Care. 'Even 'just' a sparkler burns at 1800 to 3000 degrees F which is enough to melt some metals. A three-inch salute firework with 2.5 ounces of pyrotechnic material can produce an air blast equivalent to about 1.5 ounces of TNT.'
These are some scary facts, but knowledge is power, and there are some concrete things you can do to protect you and your family from the dangers of fireworks—and still manage to have a thrilling, shimmering, and unforgettable Fourth of July.
Dr. Pham shared the story of a patient and mom, Lisa Dickerson, who had a terrible injury from fireworks. It was Fourth of July, 2019, and Dickerson was celebrating the holiday with her family when a firework malfunctioned, hitting her directly in the face and causing burns and other serious injuries. Dickerson survived, but she lost vision in one eye and now wears a prosthetic eye.
'Lisa's story really highlights how absolutely life-altering any one of these injuries can be,' Dr. Pham describes. 'Even when full recovery can be made, it can take months to years and often requires multiple doctors visits, use of medications, and possibly surgical or procedural intervention—all of which can be quite disruptive and burdensome for not only the patients, but their families and caretakers.'
According to Todd Zimmerman, DO, pediatric emergency medicine physician at Pediatrix Medical Group in Las Vegas, fireworks can pose a major risk to children in particular. The following types of injuries can impact children: burns, bodily injury, eye trauma or vision loss, and hearing damage. 'As a pediatric emergency medicine physician for 20 years, I have seen children lose fingers and also sustain permanent vision loss from fireworks,' he shares."As a pediatric emergency medicine physician for 20 years, I have seen children lose fingers and also sustain permanent vision loss from fireworks."Betsy Koickel, MD, chief medical officer of GoHealth Urgent Care, says that burns to the hands, face, and eyes are especially common, and can happen in just a split second. While the risk is higher for individuals directly lighting the fireworks, bystanders can get hurt as well. 'Bystanders often get hurt when fireworks tip over, explode unexpectedly or are used incorrectly,' she describes. 'And while legal backyard fireworks might seem safer, they can still malfunction, shoot off in the wrong direction or ignite nearby objects like dry grass or clothing.'
But it's not just major fireworks that can cause injuries, according to Dr. Koickel. Even smaller fireworks, like sparklers, burn at very high temperatures and can be hot enough to cause severe burns or set clothing on fire. 'Because of their size, kids often think sparklers are harmless, but they're actually one of the leading causes of firework-related injuries in children,' she says.
The risks posed by fireworks are scary to consider, but there are tangible things you can do to protect you and your family. Here are some tips from Dr. Pham:
Supervise children at all times
Only allow adults to light fireworks
Never consume alcohol or other mood-altering substances while handling fireworks
Keep a fire extinguisher or fire blanket nearby
Carefully read and follow the manufacturer's instructions
Always wear safety glasses if you are going to be within 10 yards, but definitely if you'll be handling the firework (Tip: ANSI Z78.1+ rated polycarbonate lenses are best; these are available online and at your local hardware store)
Wear fireproof or flame-retardant clothing
Never point or direct a firework at a person or animal
Never throw a firework
Never re-light a firework; it may still be burning on the inside and may explode when handled
Want the dazzling, glittering experience of fireworks, but without the danger? It's easy to replicate the experience at home.
Some alternative ways to celebrate include glow sticks or LED light wands, says Dr. Koickel. 'These are always a hit with kids and can turn any backyard into a glowing wonderland because they're safe, colorful and perfect for after-dark fun,' she says. She also recommends light-up balloons, lanterns, laser light shows, projection displays, or a campfire or fire pit gathering. Hosting a dance party with string lights or disco bulbs is a safe way to celebrate too.
Some counties even host community events that offer safer ways to celebrate the holiday. 'Many municipalities have now moved to laser light and/or drone light shows instead of traditional fireworks,' says Dr. Pham. 'Outdoor 'drive-in' movie style displays with live music are sometimes offered.'
First of all, it's important to act quickly if you have any type of injury resulting from fireworks. 'If you sustain any injury from fireworks you should go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible,' says Dr. Zimmerman.
Dr. Koickel offered specific advice for some of different types of injuries you might sustain.
Gently run the burned area under lukewarm (not cold) water for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid ice or very cold water, because that can actually make the injury worse. After rinsing, check the burn. 'If it's larger than 1-2 inches, looks deep, or is on the face, hands, feet or over a joint, it's best to seek medical attention right away,' she recommends.
Never rub an eye injury. 'Instead, rinse or apply pressure to the eye and loosely cover it with a clean cloth or sterile dressing, and get emergency medical care immediately,' Dr. Koickel advises. 'Eye injuries from fireworks can be very serious, and quick treatment is crucial.'
Above all, never ignore an injury caused by fireworks. 'Even if an injury seems minor at first, it can worsen quickly, especially in children,' says Dr. Koickel. 'It's always safer to have a healthcare professional take a look.'
But the best advice? Take preventative steps to avoid these injuries altogether, and keep your children away from fireworks—even sparklers in the backyard—no matter what.
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