With the Blackhawks win and the 4th of July just around the corner our emergency department already is busy treating injuries and burns from fireworks.
Fireworks that are considered legal in the state of Illinois and even sparkers can cause serious injury. Here are some tips from our trauma division to help keep you and your loved ones safe while you celebrate.
Fireworks Safety Tips
*If you choose to use legal fireworks, carefully read and follow all directions on the packaging.
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*Plan safe activities for children. Give them glow-in-the-dark wands and noisemakers as substitutes for sparklers and firecrackers.
*Teach children about the dangers of fireworks and other explosives. Discourage children from lighting them and set a good example by never using fireworks yourself.
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*If you find explosive substances around your home, call the local fire department’s non-emergency line for disposal guidelines. Do not dispose of them or explode them yourself. Too many unknown factors like age, moisture levels and amount of explosive material make them dangerous and unpredictable.
*Never underestimate the inventiveness of children who sometimes try to concoct homemade devices. Keep potentially hazardous materials like lighter fluid, charcoal lighter and gasoline out of their reach.
*Never approach a firework device after it has been lighted, even if it appears to have gone out. It is likely to still be excessively hot and may explode unexpectedly.
*Consider safe alternatives for celebrations. Check the newspapers for community fireworks displays handled by professionals or hold a celebration at home where you can supervise your children’s holiday festivities.
*If an injury occurs, call 911 or the local emergency phone number. Get immediate medical aid from experts who specialize in treating burns and other traumatic injuries.
* Make sure any area where firework debris may land is not dry and drought-ridden.
* Keep fire extinguishers and water hoses near at hand BUT always call 911 immediately if a fire starts
Loyola University Medical Center Level 1 trauma and burn physicians have treated fireworks-related injuries over the years including dismemberments, loss of sight and hearing, third-degree burns, fractures, lacerations, permanent scarring and death.
