Leave the Show to the Pros
Fireworks cause life-changing injuries...there are NO safe fireworks!
A message from the Torrance Memorial Burn Center - Wishing all a happy 4th of July filled with family and good food. Please remember fireworks can be dangerous. Follow these safety Dos and Don'ts!
Do:
- Consider safer alternatives such as glow sticks, confetti poppers or colored streamers
- Observe your local & state laws
- Have a designated sober adult light all legal fireworks
- Light one firework at a time & move away quickly
- Keep children and other observers at a safe distance – behind a protective barrier
- Store fireworks out of children’s reach
- Keep a bucket of water close for disposal of fireworks
Don't:
- Allow children to handle fireworks – including sparklers
- Attempt to alter, modify or relight fireworks
- Point or throw lit fireworks at anyone
- Allow children to pick up the spent fireworks ‐ some may still be active
- Ever hold lit fireworks in your hand
- Consume alcohol or drugs when lighting fireworks
- Forget you can be held legally and financially liable for injuries caused by using fireworks
The Facts
- Sparklers can reach 2,000° F, hotter than a blow torch
- Thousands of fireworks injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments, often leaving permanent damage to eyes, hands & face
- Over 50% of fireworks injuries occur with people under the age of 20 years
The Fix
If a burn injury does happen...
- Cool the burn with COOL (not cold) water to stop the burning process
- Remove all clothing and jewelry from the injured area
- Cover the area with a dry clean sheet or loose bandages
- Seek medical attention
Source: ameriburn.org
