The start of summer is the perfect time to gather with family and friends for good food and fun times. This year, celebrate the signing of our Declaration of Independence in a safe way with some helpful tips from the Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center at Eskenazi Health.
Our 4th of July safety tips cover a few key summer safety topics to keep you and your family safe this holiday.
If you plan to celebrate by lighting fireworks or grilling, make sure that safety is the number one priority for you, your family, and all those around you.
According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), on July 4th more fires are reported than any other day of the year and 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.
On average, there are seven firework-related deaths each year in the U.S. and over 11,000 injuries. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that children under age 15 account for one-quarter of all injuries.
Although we adamantly insist that you let professionals handle all fireworks displays, if you do decide to light fireworks at home, exercise extreme attentiveness, 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 or garden hose 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.
• Size doesn’t equal danger: a small firecracker can burn as hot as a blowtorch.
July is also a peak time for grilling or barbecuing fires and injuries. According to the NFPA, backyard barbecues ignite 9,600 home fires each year, and cause 16,600 trips to the emergency room to be treated for burns from grills, hibachis or barbecues.
To keep you and your family safe, please follow these 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 you or someone you’re with receives burns due to a fireworks or grilling accident, be sure to apply cool (not cold) water to the burn and cover it with a dry, loose bandage and seek medical attention as soon as possible because burns that appear to be minor can be very serious. If somebody’s clothes catch on fire, encourage the individual to “stop, drop and roll” on the ground to put the fire out. If a fire has begun to spread and there are injuries, be sure to call 911 immediately.
Be aware that fire never takes a vacation and the damage that can be caused by fireworks and barbecues can be devastating to your family, friends and property. The Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center at Eskenazi Health encourages everyone to follow these simple precautions in order to prevent fires and avoid preventable injuries so everyone may enjoy these fun, summertime activities safely.
Nydia Nunez-Estrada, M.D.
Family Medicine Specialist at Eskenazi Health Center North Arlington