Fireworks Safety
Sutter Children's Center, Sacramento

This health tip is brought to you by Gregory Janos, M.D., Medical Director of Sutter Children's Center, Sacramento

On Fourth of July each year there are thousands of emergency room-treated injuries associated with fireworks, according to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission. Most injuries occur to the hands, feet and eyes.
How do you stay out of the ER? Follow these guidelines.

• Children should always be supervised by an adult when around fireworks.
• Never give fireworks to small children. Even sparklers can be dangerous and cause burns.
• Children should never light fireworks.
• Always keep a bucket of water close by to dispose of used fireworks and a garden hose handy.
• Only light one firework at a time.
• Never throw fireworks at people, animals, buildings, cars or dry fields.
• The person lighting the fireworks should always wear eye protection.
• Never light fireworks indoors.  
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Stay away from illegal fireworks and people who are being unsafe.

If a mild burn does occur, follow the below steps for treatment.

• If the skin is not broken, run cool water over the burned area or soak it in a cool water bath for five minutes. Do not use ice or ice water. A clean, cold, wet towel will also help reduce pain.
• Cover the burn with a sterile, non-adhesive bandage.
• Use over-the-counter pain medications to reduce pain.  

Most first-degree burns will heal without any further treatment. If the burn is more sever or does not heal contact your doctor.

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