Avoiding Fireworks-Related Injuries

Time for a reminder??about safe fireworks use.??This Daily News article by Lauren Johnston — health/2010/06/22/2010-06-22_doctors_replace_womans_missing_thumb_with_big_toe_transplant.html" >Doctors replace woman’s missing thumb with big toe transplant a??- shows and tells you why. An excerpt:

A Long Island woman’s big toe will adapt to function as a thumb after doctors performed a rare transplant operation to replace the vital missing digit.

Shannon Elliott, 25, lost the thumb and two fingers from her left hand in November when a firework exploded in her palm…

Have a safe and happy July 4th — and stay out of the ER. Please??follow??these fireworks safety??tips:

• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.


• Read and follow all warnings and instructions.


• Fireworks should be unpacked from any paper packing out-of-doors and away from any open flames.


• Be sure other people are out-of-range before lighting fireworks. Small children should be kept a safe distance from the fireworks; older children that use fireworks need to be carefully supervised.


• Do not smoke when handling any type of “live” firecracker, rocket, or aerial display.


• Keep all fireworks away from any flammable liquids, dry grassy areas, or open bonfires.


• Keep a bucket of water or working garden hose nearby in case of a malfunction or fire.


• Take note of any sudden wind change that could cause sparks or debris to fall on a car, house, or person.


• Never attempt to pick up and relight a “fizzled” firework device that has failed to light or “go off”


• Do not use any aluminum or metal soda/beer can or glass bottle to stage or hold fireworks before lighting.


• Do not use any tightly closed container for these lighted devices to add to the exploding effect or to increase noise.


• Never attempt to make your own exploding device from raw gunpowder or similar flammable substance. The results are too unpredictable.


• Never use mail-order fireworks kits. These do-it-yourself kits are simply unsafe.

For more information on injuries that can occur from unsafe use of fireworks, see:

Fireworks-Related Injuries (CDC)

Facts About Fireworks Injuries (Prevent Blindness America)