5 Fireworks Safety Tips for New Year’s Eve

Did you know a sparkler can burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit? That’s as hot as a blowtorch! While many people consider fireworks to be harmless fun, they can be quite dangerous – especially for children and teens.

With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, Dr. Meg Marinowith Ochsner Hospital for Children shares how you can ring in the new decade safely by following these five firework safety tips:

• Leave it to the professionals – Viewing public fireworks displays by professionals is the safest way to enjoy fireworks and even then, it’s important to keep a safe distance away- that means at least 500 feet away or up to a quarter of a mile from where they are being set off.
  

• Follow instructions – Check if fireworks are legal in your area and obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks. Only buy fireworks from reputable dealers and read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting fireworks. Never relight a “dud” firework. Instead, wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water. Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
  

• Supervision is key – Only experienced adults should be using fireworks. Never give fireworks (including sparklers) to children and do not consume alcohol when using fireworks.
  
• Dress for the occasion– Avoid wearing loose fitting clothing and protect your eyes with safety glasses.
  

• Location is everything – Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area. Stay away from buildings and vehicles. Do not stand over fireworks while lighting them. Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away. Keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby.

Marino says, “Always put your safety and the safety of others first when it comes to fireworks. If some gets injured seek immediate medical attention.”

About Ochsner Health System

Ochsner Health is Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic, healthcare system. Driven by a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate, coordinated clinical and hospital patient care is provided across the region by Ochsner's 40 owned, managed and affiliated hospitals and specialty hospitals, and more than 100 health centers and urgent care centers. Ochsner is the #1 ranked hospital in Louisiana by U.S. News & World Report and is recognized as a “Best Hospital” across two specialty categories caring for patients from all 50 states and more than 70 countries worldwide each year. Ochsner Hospital for Children is the only facility in Louisiana to be recognized as a top 50 children’s hospital by U.S. News & World Report for three consecutive years. Ochsner employs nearly 25,000 employees and over 4,500 employed and affiliated physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties and conducts more than 700 clinical research studies. Ochsner Health is proud to be a tobacco-free environment. For more information, please visit ochsner.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.