Wentworth-Douglass pediatrician: Don't let kids or teens anywhere near fireworks

DOVER - Every year, the emergency departments in the Mass General Brigham system see multiple patients who have sustained significant burns at 4^th of July celebrations that will produce lifelong disfigurement, including devastating hand injuries caused by fireworks that explode in the hands of children and adults.

Dr. Jasmine Mikami, pediatric hospitalist at Wentworth-Douglass, offers essential tips to keeping celebrations safe this holiday weekend. These include:

• There is no safe approach to using explosives, especially when children are involved. Children often do not understand the destructive potential of fireworks. Explain the risks to your children and limit their access to fireworks.
• Projectiles, commonly known as "bottle rockets" or "Roman candles," are especially dangerous. They not only place the user at risk but endanger bystanders.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back a safe distance quickly. Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse and do not relight or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Anyone who handles fireworks should wear safety goggles to protect the eyes from flying sparks or debris. Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs when operating fireworks. Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with water before discarding it to prevent a trash fire. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other problem.

"We treat kids for burns and injuries to their hands and eyes caused by fireworks every July Fourth. Some of these injuries are relatively minor and others are tragically life-altering, but all of them are avoidable," explains Mikami. "If you choose to set off fireworks, closely follow the safety instructions, and we recommend you not allow your kids or teens to use fireworks."