Fire, health officials urge safety around fireworks ahead of July 4th
DELMARVA – As the 4th of July holiday approaches, public safety and health officials are warning you not to forget safety while you celebrate.
“Leave the fireworks to the professionals,”
Specifically, we’re talking about fireworks.
“We recommend that folks leave the fireworks to the professionals,” said Ryan Whittington of the Ocean City Fire Department. “We understand that the backyard barbeques, or the bonfires with family and friends on July 4th is how a lot of folks choose to spend their holiday. But, once you decide to introduce fireworks to your family gathering, it can become very, very dangerous.”
Whittington, and Dr. Chris Snyder at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, say they both see an increase in fireworks-related injuries around the holiday.
“There’s always the high-risk behavior that occurs with this, when you mix fireworks with alcohol, and late nights,” said Dr. Snyder. “There’s always trauma, everything from eyes to hands to burns. It’s pretty common, unfortunately.”
Think Twice Before You Light Up the Night
Dr. Snyder says while fireworks may seem like fun and games, they should be handled seriously, and while sober.
“People have got to remember, it’s a high temperature causing a small explosion. So, you’re playing with fire, literally,” said Dr. Snyder. “Avoid using your hands, avoid being under the influence, which is where we see a lot of this occur. It’s just the delay in reaction.”
And, Whittington says, it’s important to remember that even though things like sparklers can seem less innocuous, those aren’t toys either; sparklers can burn as hot as 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, says Whittington.
“That is absolutely nothing that we would typically let our child play with in the kitchen. We wouldn’t hand them a pan that came off the stove that was 1,200 degrees,” said Whittington. “It has to be with adult supervision, and let the child know that once you’re done with it, make sure you hand it back. Sometimes they may set them down, causing injuries. People may step on them, or people may grab them thinking that they’re now cold, when in fact, they’re not.”
Play It Safe
If you are celebrating, and someone does suffer an injury or start a fire, Whittington says you should call for help immediately.
“No matter how small that you think [the injury] may be, you do want to seek medical attention. Burns can turn into infections that can cause other injuries, and illnesses,” said Whittington. “So, make sure if you get a slight burn, or if you catch grass or dunes on fire, make sure that you call 911 right away.”
To play it safe, you can check out either of Ocean City’s two fireworks displays on July 4th. One will light up the downtown area near the inlet, and the other will bring patriotic pride to northside park. Both displays begin at 9:30 p.m.
