The upcoming Fourth of July celebration usually means camping, barbecues, hoping for sunshine and, of course, fireworks. Although most firecrackers can be safely handled by qualified adults, there is a high risk of injury from firecrackers that do not work correctly, are used improperly or are illegal.
The 2006 Fire in Washington Annual Report states “there were 1,001 fire-works-related injuries and/or fires reported to the State Fire Marshal in 2006 by fire departments and hospital emergency rooms.” According to the report prepared by the Washington State Patrol Office of the State Fire Marshal, this is a 17 percent increase from 2005 and a 26 percent increase over the seven-year average of 795. Of the 1,001 reports, there were 794 fires and 207 injuries.
According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), in 2004 9,600 people were treated in emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries in the United States; children age 14 or younger experienced 40 percent of these injuries and males received about 76 percent. Fireworks injuries to the hand were the most common at 33 percent; eye injuries were at 21 percent and injuries to the head, face and ear also made up 21 percent.
“Fireworks can cause tremendous injury to the hands, head, face and the eyes,” said Dr. Traci Barthel of Valley Orthopedic Associates (VOA) in Renton. “The most common is usually a blast injury to the hand or fingers that cannot be reconstructed.”
Unfortunately many of these injuries result in amputation of the injured digit or extremity, Dr. Barthel said.
To make sure your July Fourth weekend is safe and fun, VOA physicians and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommend these safety guidelines:
- Check with your local police department to determine if fireworks can be legally discharged in your area. If so, determine which types are legal.
- Never allow young children to play with or go near fireworks. This includes sparklers, which seem harmless, but can be dangerous if not used properly.
- Light fireworks outdoors, in a clear area, away from residential neighborhoods, dry leaves or grass and flammable materials.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies. Pour water on fireworks that do not ignite properly.
- Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak in water and throw away.
- Be sure others are out of range before lighting fireworks.
- Never ignite fireworks in containers, especially ones made of glass or metal.
- Keep unused fireworks away from areas where others are being lit.
- Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check labels for special storage instructions.
- If under the influence of drugs or alcohol, do not play with fireworks.
- Never buy illegal fireworks, as quality cannot be guaranteed.