Safety Tips for Fourth of July
Philadelphia, PA, June 14, 2004—What’s the safest way to enjoy fireworks this July Fourth? “Enjoy a public fireworks display put on by professionals,” says
John J. Kelly, DO, FACEP, Associate Chairman, Department of Emergency Medicine at Albert Einstein Medical Center, citing fireworks
safety guidelines issued by the U.S. Fire Administration. Dr. Kelly, who helps run Einstein Medical Center’s emergency room,
knows from experience how important these guidelines are. Each year, injuries caused by fireworks send more than 8,000 Americans
to ERs. Most of these injuries happen in the 30-day period around July 4, half to children under 15. Boys suffer three times
more injuries than girls.
What about using “legal fireworks” like sparklers at backyard picnics? “Even sparklers can be dangerous,” says Dr. Kelly.
“They burn up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit and cause one third of the fireworks-related injuries we see in children five and
younger. Children are often excited and curious around fireworks, which can increase their chances of getting too close and
being injured. Young children should not be allowed to light or hold sparklers. Adult supervision for children of all ages
at all times is an absolute must.”
In fact, “Class C” fireworks such as firecrackers, rockets and sparklers, which are sold legally in many states, are responsible
for most fireworks-related injuries. Pennsylvania residents can legally use sparklers, but the City of Philadelphia’s Fire
Prevention Code prohibits private use of nearly all fireworks, including sparklers.
That’s fine with Vincent K. Young, MD, Chairman of the Division of Ophthalmology at Albert Einstein Medical Center, who notes
that about 1,500 eye injuries from fireworks are treated each year. “After hands, eyes are the most common part of the body
injured by fireworks. As many as 400 Americans a year loose vision in one or both eyes because of fireworks injuries.”
Physicians at Albert Einstein Medical Center encourage all of us to be patriotic and safe this Fourth of July by abandoning
backyard fireworks in favor of the professional shows offered by most communities. If your community allows sparklers or other
fireworks and you plan to use them, follow the U.S. Fire Administration’s safety guidelines:
- Never let children handle or light fireworks.
- Have a full bucket of water handy to douse sparklers.
- Choose a safe spot, away from buildings, trees, cars and flammable materials like dry grass.
- Watch what you wear – loose clothing can catch fire.
- Never try to re-ignite fireworks that don’t light. Soak them in water and throw them away.
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, a member of the Jefferson Health System, provides healthcare services through Albert Einstein
Medical Center, Germantown Community Health Services, Willow Terrace (a nursing home), MossRehab/Einstein at Elkins Park,
MossRehab at Tabor Road, Willowcrest (a center for subacute care), Belmont Behavioral Health and a number of outpatient and
satellite locations. Einstein also operates a primary care network, Einstein Neighborhood Healthcare. For more information,
call 1-800-EINSTEIN.
Publish date: June 14, 2004
