To stay safe while celebrating the July 4th holiday, there are best practices for avoiding firework injuries. If people celebrating this holiday wish to use fireworks and enjoy the festivities, they can take steps to prevent injuries and treat them if accidents do occur.
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How To Prevent Firework Injuries
As homeowners prepare for a celebration using fireworks on their property or elsewhere, there are several safety practices to implement:
Keeping Young Children Away from Fireworks
Younger children should never be allowed to play with fireworks alone. Any encounters with fireworks could cause burns and other serious injuries, particularly for younger children who are most vulnerable.
Disposing Of Duds
If a firework won’t light, it’s best to soak them in water and dispose of them. Trying to relight a dud could ultimately cause explosions and subsequent burns.
Keeping Water Nearby
In the event of failed fireworks or potential fires, it’s important to keep a bucket of water nearby at all times. Working with fireworks near a lake or other body of water is also ideal.
Using Fireworks In Areas That Provide A Low Burn Risk
Fireworks are best used in areas that are clear of burn risks or flammable materials. Brush, woodpiles, and buildings could all present fire hazards, so make sure to use fireworks in open areas away from these potential hazards.
Observing Fireworks From A Safe Distance
After successfully lighting a firework, make sure everyone is at a safe distance to watch it burn. It’s important to avoid approaching the firework until it has finished burning and has had some time to settle.
How To Treat Firework Injuries
While taking the right steps can help prevent injuries when using fireworks, there are ways to treat injuries at home if they aren’t serious enough to warrant professional treatment.
For a burn, it’s important to make sure the burn area is dry and clean before treating it. Warm water and soap can help effectively clean the area, without any need for ointments in many cases. Using an appropriately-sized bandage, individuals can then cover the wound to help the healing process.
However, if the wound is larger than the palm of a hand or appears to be infected, it’s always best for victims to seek medical attention. Injuries that occur near the ears, nose, eyes, fingers, or toes also warrant seeing a physician.
Seeking Immediate Medical Attention For Serious Injuries
While mild burns may be treatable without medical assistance, victims should always seek professional medical attention if they are seriously injured by fireworks.
If someone is severely hurt following a firework accident, he or she should immediately visit a hospital or doctor. If the injury victim has sustained a burn, clothing should be removed from the affected area and the burn should be rinsed in water that’s cool, but not cold. If someone sustains an eye injury, keeping the eye covered with the bottom of a paper cup or another covering, avoiding rinsing the eye, can prevent further damage.
Taking all of these steps can help prevent and treat potential injuries from fireworks while celebrating Independence Day over the summer. As a result, friends and family can enjoy a holiday that’s safe and fun for everyone involved.
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