With the biggest, and arguably the loudest, holiday of the summer approaching, many are rushing to take advantage of last-minute firework sales, counting their matches, and ensuring they have all the hot dogs, burgers, and apple pie anyone could ever eat. However, these fun and joyous celebrations can take a turn for the worse, quickly. Here’s some advice to celebrate Independence Day the right way.

Firework Facts

As impressive and fun as fireworks can be, one thing is clear: They also come with potential dangers, particularly in the hands of the untrained. In some states, they’re illegal for consumers to use. Know the facts before spending hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars that will just go up in smoke.

In 2022, at least nine people died – and an estimated 11,500 were injured – in incidents involving fireworks, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In addition:

• There were an estimated 1,500 emergency department-treated injuries associated with firecrackers.
• Another 1,100 were treated for injuries from sparklers, which can reach 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Adults 25 to 44 years of age experienced about 32% of the injuries.
• Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for 29% of the injuries.

Dos and Don’ts

If you choose to include fireworks at your next party, keep the following safety tips in mind.

Do:

• Store fireworks where children can’t reach them.
• Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby. You can use either to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.
• Model good behavior. Teach children that fireworks are explosives and only adults should handle them.
• Only light one firework at a time.
• Keep children and other adults at a safe distance from any areas where fireworks are going off.
• Wear protective eyewear when lighting fireworks.
• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.

Don’t:

• Re-light a firework.
• Approach a firework that’s smoldering.
• Drink alcohol when using fireworks.
• Pick up fireworks from the ground.
• Hold onto a firework once you light it.
• Point or throw lit fireworks at anyone.
• Try to modify fireworks.
• Allow young children to handle fireworks, including sparklers.
• Light fireworks indoors, near houses, or next to flammable materials.
• Light fireworks in a container.
• Try to make your own fireworks.

Treating Common Firework Injuries

If you or a loved one gets burned by fireworks, you need to act fast.

• Remove clothing and jewelry from the burned area.
• Run the burned area under cool (not cold) water for a few minutes to help stop the burn.
• Never put ice on a burn.
• Wrap the injury with a clean, dry towel.

Partial thickness burns (previously called second degree burns) or full thickness burns (previously called third degree burns) need immediate medical treatment. Some partial thickness burns appear wet or blistering. Others appear deep cherry red. Full thickness burns appear white or charred. These burns might not even be painful, as nerves may have been damaged.

Fireworks occasionally cost people their fingers or toes. Prompt medical treatment can reattach them.

• Call an ambulance immediately.
• Lie the victim down and elevate the injured body part.
• Remove any visible foreign objects.
• Apply direct pressure to the wound for 15 minutes to stop bleeding.
• If possible, retrieve the amputated finger or toe and rinse (don’t scrub) it clean, then wrap it in a clean, damp cloth and make sure it goes to the hospital with the victim. Don’t place the digit on ice – this will damage the blood vessels and make reattachment difficult.

Always call 911 for large burns or if you are involved in an explosion.

This 4^th of July, don’t let yourself or a loved one become a fireworks safety statistic. Remember to celebrate safely. Leave explosives to the professionals and consider firework alternatives such as glowsticks, noise makers, bubbles, silly string, and confetti, which are safer for all ages.

Kayla Keen, R.N., is the injury prevention coordinator, Trauma Services, UPMC in North Central Pa. For more information, visit UPMC.com/TraumaNCPA.