Even non-exploding fireworks can be dangerous.
Did you know the tip of that sparkler is 1,200 degrees?
It’s summer, the sun is shining, kids are out of school, and everyone is exploring the great outdoors. We’re all on the lookout for sunburn, but as July 4th approaches it’s also a good time to think about fireworks safety.
Unsupervised fireworks use by children, or those around older siblings, can be dangerous and severe eye injuries are among the risks, Lake Norman Regional Medical Center warns this week in a news release.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, “safe” or legal fireworks cause more injuries than illegal fireworks, especially to young children. For example, did you know that the tip of a sparkler can reach up to 1,200 degrees? To put that into perspective, glass melts at 900 degrees, yet we let our children and loved ones handle these seemingly harmless sparklers every year.
Having a bucket of water ready to discard sparklers in is a great way to be prepared. Additionally, don’t let your older children anywhere near an infant while handling a sparkler.
Most fireworks burn prevention tips come down to using common sense. However, the safest way to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks is to not handle them yourself, the hospital says. Attend an event that is conducted by trained professionals. Another important rule of thumb regarding fireworks safety is to never let your children or infant pick up the pieces after an event, as they could still be active. (For a listing of events this holiday weekend, including fireworks displays, see our Weekend Calendar, in The Guide.)
“In addition to burns, we often see an increase in eye injuries that are attributed to fireworks. My advice to parents is to go to a professional display and skip the home fireworks show altogether. There is no such thing as safe fireworks,” said Tracy Barts, RN, Director of Emergency Services at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center.
EYE INJURY?
Prevent Blindness America offers these helpful tips titled “First Aid for Eye Emergencies.” If there are specks in the eye,
- DO NOT rub the eye.
- Use an eye wash or let tears wash out specks or particles.
- Lift the upper eyelid outward and down over the lower lid
- If the speck doesn’t wash out, keep the eye closed, bandaged and see a doctor or go to the emergency room.
- If the eye or eyelid is cut or punctured,
- DO NOT wash out the eye with water.
- DO NOT try to remove an object stuck in the eye.
- Cover the eye with a rigid shield without pressure. The bottom half of a paper cup may be used. See a doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.
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