Fireworks: Put Safety First

	Pictured: Jill Dubbs, PT, director of  Lakewood Hospital Rehabilitation Services and her family.

With the approaching Fourth of July holiday, Lakewood Hospital reminds families to put safety first and celebrate with caution when it comes to fireworks.

Unfortunately, every year there are thousands of injuries and even some deaths due to fireworks-related accidents. Historically, 70 percent of these injuries occur between June 20 and July 20.

With warm weather and family events, the Fourth of July should be a fun time and with great memories. We really don’t want to see anyone’s holiday ruined by a fireworks-related injury. However, in the event of an emergency, you can count on Lakewood Hospital's ER to care for you and your family.

The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home — period. Attend public fireworks displays, and leave the lighting to the professionals.

If you must use fireworks, please heed these tips provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and others:

1. Kids should never play with fireworks. Things like firecrackers, rockets and sparklers are just too dangerous. If you give kids sparklers, make sure they are at least 12 years old. Keep sparklers outside and away from the face, clothing and hair. Sparklers can reach 1,800° Fahrenheit (982° Celsius) — hot enough to melt gold. Be sure to drop the spent sparklers directly in a bucket of water.

2. Legal fireworks in Ohio are limited to sparklers, trick noisemakers and novelties. (Other consumer fireworks may be sold upon execution of a form agreeing to take the items out or the state.) Never use any unlabeled fireworks. Although fireworks by the names M-80, M100, cherry bombs, blockbuster or quarterpounder were banned years ago, they still account for many fireworks injuries.

3. Never try to make your own fireworks.

4. Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents.

5. Steer clear of others — fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.

6. Don't hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting. Wear some sort of eye protection, and avoid carrying fireworks in your pocket — the friction could set them off.

7. Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush and leaves and flammable substances. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year.

8. Light one firework at a time (not in glass or metal containers), and never relight a dud.

9. Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.

10. Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trashcan.

11. Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run loose or get injured.

If a fireworks injury occurs, particularly if it is a child, immediately go to a doctor or the hospital emergency room.

If an eye injury occurs, don't allow your child to touch or rub it, as this may cause even more damage. Also, don't flush the eye out with water or attempt to put any ointment on it. Instead, cut out the bottom of a paper cup, place it around the eye, and immediately seek medical attention — your child's eyesight may depend on it. If it's a burn, remove clothing from the burned area and run cool, not cold, water over the burn (do not use ice). Call your doctor immediately.

Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed, but you'll enjoy them much more if you leave them in the hands of professionals.

www.lakewoodhospital.org/er