As Independence Day draws closer, many people have begun stockpiling fireworks to shoot off on the Fourth of July.
While fireworks can be exciting, festive and fun, HSHS St. Vincent, St. Mary’s, St. Nicholas and St. Clare Memorial Hospitals want to remind community members that fireworks can also be very dangerous.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports on average, 180 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday.
While many professional firework displays are canceled throughout the region due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s possible more people may choose to light their own fireworks this year.
If you do chose to do this, the HSHS System recommends that children never be allowed to light them, including sparklers, as they burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
Also, be sure to soak all spent fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.
More information can be found at www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-EducationCenters/Fireworks.
