Reported by Margaret Kavanagh
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS -- Fireworks and the Fourth of July go hand-in-hand, but so should safety, the Consumer Product Safety Commission warns.
Seven people died in fireworks-related deaths in 2008, and some 7,000 had to be taken to the emergency room, according to the CPSC.
“If you were to get burned, you would need to be careful for critical areas of the hand and feet, or face, which would warrant that you would need to come to the hospital right away,” said Dr. Dale Birenbaum, at Florida Hospital.
“Superficial burns, like a sunburn, might be able to be treated by cooling that down and treating it like you would a sunburn -- but anything that’s deeper, more severe, that’s giving you a significant amount of pain that’s more than a sunburn would require you to come to the hospital, so we could care for you,” Dr. Birenbaum said.
Fireworks Safety Reminders
- Have an adult present at all times.
- Buy fireworks only from reliable sellers.
- Always read and follow directions as printed on the label.
- Only use fireworks as intended. Do not try to alter them or combine them.
- Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
- Only use fireworks outdoors.
- Always have water handy. A hose or buckets of water are recommended.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water, then disposing of them in your trash can.
- Never give fireworks to small children. Only those over age 12 should handle sparklers of any type. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees -- hot enough to melt some metals.
- Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter.
- The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated shooter.”
- If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
- Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
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