Firework safety tips ahead of July 4th festivities

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - The summer season is underway and many people will be lighting off fireworks as we approach the Fourth of July holiday.

According to a report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks were involved in 9,700 injuries in 2023. Dr. Nicole Bernal, medical director for burn services at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, said the most common firework injuries sustained were to the hands, face, and eyes.

"There's a difference sometimes between the pediatric injuries, which are more commonly to the hands," Bernal said. "Anytime a firework could start, ignite clothing or anything like that, you can have a burn to any part of your body."

As Bernal encourages leaving the fireworks to the professionals, she said to practice safety tips for those who will light their own fireworks or will be around any in their neighborhood this summer.

"You want to make sure you are lighting the fireworks off in a wide open space, not near any trees, dry debris, leaves, or near homes," Bernal said. "Make sure there is a water bucket or something to extinguish the fireworks. You should always wet or soak the fireworks with water afterward."

Sparklers are also not safe for kids to use, according to Bernal. Sparklers can reach up to 200 degrees, noting that poppers are a better, safer option.

"Four thousand out of the 10,000 fireworks injuries that we deal with at burn centers every year are from kids," Bernal said.

Other tips to help stay safe from fireworks include not lighting fireworks while holding them in your hands, don't wear loose clothing, and the person designated to lighting fireworks is sober.

If anyone is injured, Bernal recommends going to an emergency department or burn center, depending on where the person is injured.