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Fireworks safety for Fourth of July weekend

Beware of sparklers! Watch your eyes and other tips to keep you safe.
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

DENVER — Are you getting ready for your Fourth of July holiday celebrations? Many folks are planning their family barbecues and watching fireworks. About 230 people are seen per day in the emergency room for fireworks-related injuries during the Fourth of July holiday. Here to discuss how to safely enjoy your holiday with your family is Jason Martin, director of injury prevention at Swedish Medical Center.

Safety Tips for Fireworks

  • First and foremost, don’t buy or light your own fireworks!
  • Beware of sparklers. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about a third of the fireworks injuries coming into the emergency department are children 15 years and younger. Sparklers can burn to 1000+ degrees!
  • If you are going to be near fireworks, keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher on hand.
  • Don't wear loose fitting clothes.
  • Avoid burns or other accidents by not standing or crouching over fireworks when trying to light the fuse.

What are the most common injuries hospitals see over the Fourth of July holiday?

We do see a lot of burn injuries on the Fourth of July. If you do have a burn, get medical care immediately, potentially at a burn center. Keep eyes protected. We see a lot of corneal burns and abrasions from the hot ashes from fireworks floating in the air.

We also see more alcohol-related accidents and deaths, as well as grilling injuries, food poisoning, dehydration (which includes heat exhaustion and heat stroke) and pool drownings.

Follow 9NEWS Medical Expert Dr. Comilla Sasson on Facebook and Twitter. Have a medical question or health topic idea? Email Dr. Comilla at comilla.sasson@9news.com

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