With Independence Day quickly approaching, the Wellness Committee at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center wanted to share some tips on firework safety. The safest way to watch fireworks is to go to a scheduled display in your community. Click here for a full list of all the firework displays throughout Northeast Ohio for the Fourth of July weekend and the rest of the summer.

If you choose to set off fireworks at home, be aware that fireworks are dangerous and need to be handled with care. In 2012, emergency rooms across the country treated an estimated 8,700 people for firework related injuries. More than half of the injuries were burns and one-fifth were lacerations. One-third of the injuries were to children under the age of 15 and males accounted for 75% of the injuries. In addition to the human costs, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires which resulted in 8 deaths, 40 injuries and $32 million in direct property damage.

Here are some tips for handling fireworks in the safest way possible:

• Always purchase fireworks from a reliable source.
• Use fireworks as directed on consumer product safety label; never alter products.
• Observe local laws and use good common sense.
• Have a designated shooter to light the fireworks.
• A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area and away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Always have water ready
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor trash can.

A word on sparklers...

While sparklers can appear harmless they account for one-third of the injuries to children under five years old. Sparklers can burn up to 1000° F and set clothes on fire. When using sparklers follow these tips:

• Always have an adult present.

• Keep burning sparklers away from clothing and flammable objects.

• Use sparklers only outdoors, away from buildings and vehicles.

• Light only one sparkler at a time.

• Do not point or throw sparklers at another person.

• Children under the age of 12 should not handle sparklers.

• When finished, place used sparklers in a bucket of water

 Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!