Fourth of July fireworks safety

PLAINS TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Independence Day is almost here. As Americans gear up to celebrate, healthcare professionals are preparing to see an influx of patients.

The message is clear: Leave the fireworks to the pros this 4th of July.

Fireworks are a staple in many 4th of July celebrations. Last year nearly 10,000 people ended up in emergency rooms across the nation for injuries related to fireworks.

“The injury severities range from blown off fingers and hands, simple burns of course, all the way up to life-threatening injuries or even lethal injuries in some cases,” stated Dr. Ronald Strony, system chair, emergency medicine at Geisinger.

Dr. Ronaly Strony is the system chair of emergency medicine at Geisinger. Sparklers burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the same temperature as a blow torch flame.

“Sparkler burns are one of the things that we see very commonly, especially with young kids. It’s often thought of as an innocent firework, but really it’s one of the most dangerous with the degree of heat that it puts off.”

Fireworks should never be used after consuming alcohol. A big concern is children playing with fireworks without adult supervision.

“Go to a professional fireworks display. Everybody always likes to watch their kids running around with a sparkler or a firework but find something safe for them to hold onto,” explained Dr. Strony.

Make sure to check the ordinances where you live but here in Wilkes-Barre, all consumer-grade fireworks are illegal for recreational use.

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