Be safe when handling fireworks

Dr. Lori Duncan sees it every year. And it’s always around this time.
People, especially children, come into the emergency department at Centerpoint Medical Center. They are treated for injuries caused by fireworks.
“At this time of year, we see a lot of eye injuries, burns, and damaged hands and fingers, all from improper use of fireworks,” said Duncan, a board certified emergency physician at Centerpoint, in a statement. “Fireworks are fun and they’re pretty to watch, but people have to remember how dangerous they are.”
 There are many key safety tips to avoid a trip to the emergency room.
Perhaps the biggest is never, under any circumstances, try to relight a dud firecracker. If the fuse dies and it’s short, don’t relight it and try running away. Duds should be soaked in a bucket of water to make sure they don’t explode when you least expect it, according to safety officials.
Other tips include always using fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents. Stay clear of other people using fireworks, which can backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Also, never throw or point fireworks at someone.
Don’t hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting. Wear goggles and don’t carry fireworks in your pocket (friction can set them off).
Don’t pick up fragments of fireworks after an event. Some could be still ignited. Also, don’t use homemade fireworks.
Sparklers, often thought of as the safest fireworks, can heat up to 1,800 degrees – hot enough to melt gold.
If children do play with sparklers, make sure they keep them away from their face, clothing and hair. They should be held away from the body at arm’s length. Only one sparkler should be lit at a time.
Each year, more than 4,000 fireworks-related injuries happen to children under age 14.
Burns are by far the most common form of injury, followed by hands and then eyes and heads, faces, and ears and legs.
Firecrackers were responsible for the greatest number of injuries, followed by bottle rockets and sparklers, according to information released by the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District.
 “We want everyone to have a safe and happy holiday season,” Duncan said. “By following these safety tips and remembering how dangerous fireworks can be, you can have a fun holiday without an unexpected trip to the hospital.”