Two of America’s favorite pastimes during traditional Fourth of July holiday celebrations are fireworks and grilling over an open flame, which brings tremendous enjoyment to many of us during this festive time. But as this cherished American holiday draws near, it’s wise to be aware of the potential dangers associated with those activities.
According to the National Fire Protection Agency, on July 4th more fires are reported than any other day of the year — fireworks account for more than half of them. In fact, fireworks are responsible for an average of 18,500 fires each year and result in $20 million dollars in property losses.
Physicians in the Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center at Eskenazi Health see fireworks injuries every year and urge consumers not to light their own fireworks this Fourth of July because no fireworks are truly safe for people to light themselves at home.
While most of us know large fireworks displays are dangerous, smaller devices used by the general public like firecrackers and bottle rockets may also cause serious injuries or even death. Sparklers, which are often handed to children to play with, can burn at a temperature of nearly 2,000 degrees and cause approximately 24% of burn injuries from fireworks each year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Firework injuries are often a result of playing with the devices or lighting them while holding them. Injuries can also occur when fireworks malfunction or don’t work as expected. The parts of the body where these injuries occur most often include the hands, face and eyes.
If you do decide to light fireworks at home, exercise extreme caution, and be sure to follow these precautions:
• Never allow children to light or play with fireworks.
• Avoid buying fireworks in brown paper packaging, which is a sign they are made for professional displays.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move away quickly.
• If you are lighting fireworks, avoid wearing loose clothing that could catch fire.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby in case of fire.
• Never try to relight a burned out or “dud” firework. Soak it in water, and throw it away.
• Never take fireworks apart or modify them in any way.
For many Americans, cooking hot dogs, burgers and other items on a grill are customary and enjoyable aspects of Fourth of July celebrations. However, there are precautions that should be adhered to in order to make grilling a safe and pleasant experience. To keep you and your family safe, here are some general guidelines:
• Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.
• Grills should be located well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from the grilling area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
If clothing catches on fire from a fireworks or grilling accident, the best way to put out the fire is to “stop, drop and roll.” If you sustain a burn, immediately remove any clothing or jewelry from the burned area. Stop the burning process by cooling the area with cool (not cold) water, and cover the area with a dry, loose bandage or sheet. Seek medical attention immediately. If injuries are severe or a fire has started, call 911 immediately.
Nydia Nunez-Estrada, M.D.,
Family Medicine Specialist with Eskenazi Health Center North Arlington