Fireworks injuries an unwelcome holiday guest

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - The Forth of July is all about parades, festivals and fireworks. And following a spike in fireworks-related injuries and deaths last year, safety and health experts have a warning for those hoping to put on dazzling home displays.

Last year’s Forth of July celebrations saw firework-related injuries and deaths soar by 50%.

“That is a trend that is going in the wrong direction,” said Patty Davis of the Consumer Product and Safety Commission.

Eighteen people were killed and more than 15,000 treated in ER’s across the country.

The U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission, which detailed the increases in newly released report, believes they’re tied to the pandemic.

“It may have been the consumers were taking matters into their own hands and celebrating because many of the public fireworks displays across the nation were canceled”, said Davis.

And they’re worried it may happen again this year. The commission has released videos emphasizing the danger of fireworks, including popular and generally legal ones.

Last year, firecrackers were the biggest source of ER treated injuries, followed by sparklers.

“Don’t give a sparkler to a child,” said Davis. “They burn at 2,000 degrees. It’s hot as a blowtorch.”

Health and safety experts also reminding people to have a bucket of water nearby and to never mix alcohol, drugs and fireworks.

Or, better yet, enjoy public displays. Most of those are back this year.

“Don’t spend your Fourth of July in the emergency room.”

Safety experts are urging young adults especially to pay attention to safety recommendations. Twenty to 24 year olds saw the biggest increase of any age category in ER visits last year.