How Keller, TX, Residents Can Avoid Fire Damage and Injuries When Celebrating with Fireworks

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth warns the local community about injuries that can result from the misuse or improper operation of fireworks.

Firework safety and the prevention of fire damage from the misuse of fireworks are important during the Fourth of July celebrations. SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth is sharing safety tips to help local residents avoid personal injury and fire damage from a fireworks mishap.

Celebrate Safely

Summertime brings hot weather, pool time, grill time, picnics in the park, Fourth of July celebrations, and fireworks. Inevitably with the fireworks comes the potential for personal injuries and fire damage.

Small fireworks such as firecrackers, bottle rockets, and sparklers cause most of these injuries. A typical sparkler gets hot enough to melt metal. This favorite firework is not a child’s toy and should be used with extreme caution and only under adult supervision.

Personal firework safety is the most effective means to avoid or prevent injury. Consider these simple tips when around fireworks:

1. Leave the fireworks display to certified, licensed professionals who have the training, experience, and protective gear to safely discharge the various items.
2. Enjoy the fireworks from a safe distance.
3. Keep fireworks at a safe distance from vehicles and structures.
4. Avoid discharging fireworks under trees, awnings, in the garage, or on the back deck or patio.
5. Always have multiple options close at hand to extinguish any small fires that might erupt, including a garden hose at the ready, pre-filled buckets of water or sand, and one or more fire extinguishers.
6. Have a basic first aid kit on hand. Eyewash, burn salve, and antiseptic should be included in the kit.
7. A fire blanket is always good to have on hand should someone’s clothing catch fire.

Common Injuries from Fireworks

USA Today reported the following statistics on injuries related to fireworks: “In 2020, an estimated 15,600 people were hospitalized with injuries related to fireworks – the highest number in the last 15 years, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported. Sixty-six percent of the injuries happened between June 21, 2020 and July 21, 2020.”

Be aware of the most common fireworks injuries and what to do in case of an accident.

1. Burns to the hands

Understandably, a burn on the fingers or hand is the most prevalent wound from a fireworks mishap. A first-degree burn is minor in nature, affecting only the top layer of skin and causing redness, pain, and discomfort. Second-degree burns are serious burns resulting in the formation of blisters. Third-degree burns are the most severe burns. The burn area takes on a white leathery appearance and texture, and burn damage extends under the skin, affecting the underlying flesh.

To avoid burns to the hands and fingers, never handle a firework that has not fully discharged. Fireworks may smolder for several seconds or even longer and then explode. Minor first-degree burns can be treated at home, but more severe burns should receive prompt attention from a physician. For minor burns, clean the wound and apply an over-the-counter topical pain medication. Seek further medical attention if signs of infection appear.

2. Injuries to the eyes

A firework such as a firecracker can send debris flying at very high speeds. Heat and debris from fireworks can injure the eye and could cause total loss of vision. Protective eyewear can provide adequate eye safety when handling fireworks. Seek immediate medical attention should an eye injury from a firework occur.

3. Broken bones and deep cuts in the hands

Fireworks can inflict severe hand wounds, including deep lacerations, the loss of a finger or thumb, tendon damage, and fractured bones. In case of a hand injury, remove any jewelry from the fingers and wrist. Protect the hand with a clean cloth, and apply an ice pack to reduce swelling. Keep the hand elevated. Seek emergency medical attention.

4. Facial injuries

Powerful fireworks can burn the nose, lips, and ears. Facial bones may be fractured, and teeth may be chipped or dislodged if an impact is taken to the head. Light a rocket or tube-launched firework from the side, keeping one’s head well away from the firework. A firework can reach speeds well over 100 mph upon ignition. An impact with the head can cause severe injury. If an injury occurs, cover the wounded area with a clean cloth and apply an ice pack. Seek medical attention without delay.

5. Hearing loss

Temporary or permanent hearing loss may be induced by very loud fireworks. The impulse sound from a firework three feet away can range from 145 to 170 decibels, or nearly two times the safety limits (85 decibels) for the human ear. The wearing of ear protection when fireworks are being discharged is strongly advised for children from infancy to mid-teens.

Before using fireworks around the home, take the necessary precautions to ensure everyone’s safety. In addition, pre-qualify a reputable property damage cleanup and restoration company in the event of a fire damage disaster. SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth is available 24/7, 365 days a year, including holidays. The fire damage restoration company has the latest equipment, cutting-edge technology, superior cleaning techniques, and EPA-approved products to handle any size or type of disaster. The SERVPRO staff can manage the insurance claims process from end to end with no headache and no hassle for the customer.

Contact SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth for more information about fire damage restoration in Keller, TX. The office can be reached at (817) 741-5737 or office@SERVPROnortheastftworth.com