Here's how to celebrate with fireworks safely in the Poconos | Something to Think About

Every. Single. Year. Wonder what this refers to?

I know it could be a lot of things, but this is the sentence that comes from the mouths of EMS providers, Emergency Room doctors, police, and others in the line of treating those who use fireworks and experience disaster. Whether it is a holiday or a family celebration, the same safety rules apply.

An ounce of prevention can prevent days, years, or a lifetime of pain or worse, loss.

There is no doubt that there has been an increase across the Commonwealth in fireworks-related injuries in recent years. Just within the state of Pennsylvania, fireworks-related injuries nearly doubled between 2019 and 2020 and consumer fireworks sales increased by 300% as reported by the Burn Prevention Network.

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Injuries include serious eye injuries, loss of fingers, 3rd degree burns and even death. Pennsylvania leads the nation in home fire deaths. Many of those fires occur July 4th weekend and were caused by unsafe firework disposal.

In an effort to keep Pennsylvanians safe and informed, the Burn Prevention Network has partnered with several local and statewide collaborators including the State Fire Commissioner Tom Cook, Commonwealth of Pa., the five Regional Burn Centers in Pennsylvania, American Pyrotechnics Safety & Education Foundation, the Pa. Professional Firefighters Association, Pa. Municipal League, major firework distributors and the Eastern Pa. EMS Council to encourage the public to Celebrate Safely this Fourth of July and beyond.

Fireworks safety tips

Pay attention to the safety tips:

Use protective gear when handling fireworks! Stay safe by wearing safety gloves and protective eyewear. Only sober adults should handle and light fireworks, even sparklers! Always assume that fireworks that did not go off are still live! Douse them with water before picking them up and never attempt to re-light them!

Do you know how to properly discard used fireworks and sparklers? Place used fireworks in a bucket of water. Keep you and your neighbors safe while handling fireworks! Fireworks may not be discharged within 150 feet of a structure. Have you checked your local fireworks regulations?

Some municipalities have time restrictions for when fireworks may be discharged. Each municipality or borough may have its own ordinance, so check prior to use.

Be mindful of your location! Never allow your fireworks to land on someone else’s property.

Did you know that sparklers can get hotter than a blowtorch? Children should never handle or light any fireworks including sparklers. The tip of a sparkler burns at more than 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.

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The Burn Prevention Network supports burn survivors and their families while they deal with their trauma and helps empower them as they adjust to their new reality. They offer education programs for new parents, children and older adults, provide support services for survivors and their families as well.

You can learn more about burn prevention and the Network and the services it offers by visiting: burnprevention.org. Plan ahead to make sure your celebrations are memorable in the best way!

Debbie Kulick writes a weekly column for the Pocono Record and Tri-County Independent. She serves on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic as an EMT.

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Debbie Kulick: How to celebrate with fireworks safely in the Poconos