Never Make This Grave Mistake When Handling Fireworks in Texas

Independence Day is celebrated all across the country with extravagant food, excessive drinks, and entertainment that goes out with a bang. Combine those last two things, and you can easily spell disaster, so it's important to know the risks and how to safely handle fireworks, ESPECIALLY when alcohol is present.

Shocking Stats on Firework Injuries

First, it's important to know that the most common injuries from fireworks are burns, debris in the eyes, and smoke inhalation. Other hospital visits when lighting fireworks include sprained ankles while tripping in the dark outside.

Also, as fun as it might be, alcohol is involved in roughly 90% of all house parties that involve fireworks and can be a contributing factor to injuries. It's recommended to nominate someone in the group to refrain from drinking and to be in charge of any bonfire/firework show.

Online First Aid also includes some tips to safely enjoying fireworks at home:

• Never return to a firework that has yet to go off or is currently lit
• Never keep fireworks in your pocket
• Always light fireworks at arms length
• Never toss a firework, new or used, into a fire

Sparklers are fun for families of all sizes, but it's important to know that these can heat up to six times as hot as a pan of cooking oil.

Children under five years of age should not be allowed to handle them, and children of all ages should not play with sparklers without adult supervision.

You should always hold sparklers away from your face or any other person nearby, and when you're finished, you should douse sparklers in a bucket of cold water or sand.

How to Treat Firework-Related Burns

If you suffer a burn from sparklers or any other type of firework, hold the burned area under cold water for 10 to 20 minutes. Try wrapping the burned area in cling wrap after about 15 minutes under cold water. If the pain or swelling is noticeably worsening, you should seek medical attention.

Always avoid touching the burn or applying adhesive dressings like Band-Aids. Also, you should never pop any burn blisters on purpose. This can lead to higher risk of infection and will take longer to heal.

If you see someone catch fire on their clothes, always remember "Stop, Drop, Wrap, and Roll."

Stop the person from panicking and running away, movement can cause breeze to spread the flames. Drop them to the ground and wrap then in a blanket, coat, or rug--anything that isn't immediately flammable.

Finally, roll them back and forth on the ground to smother the flames.

Smoke Inhalation and Eye Injury Risks

Inhaling smoke from fireworks and sparklers can have a wide array of negative health effects, not the least of which being difficulty breathing. If you notice someone is struggling to breath after inhaling too much smoke, remember these steps:

• Remove them from the area and take them to fresh air
• Loosen any tight clothing around their neck or lungs and have them sit comfortably
• Assist them with taking any medication like an inhaler for asthma
• Call 911 if they continue to struggle getting enough oxygen

When it comes to eye injuries, sparks and other debris are commonly flying in the air during firework displays which can get in your eye. If the visible debris is floating in your eye, use eyewash or clean water to flush it out.

However, if you see there is something embedded in your eye and won't come out, call 911 and explain the situation.

So, there you have it. Fireworks can be the hit of any house party during holidays, but it's always important to practice safety protocols, especially when alcohol or small children are involved.