Have a (safe) blast: Always put safety first when using fireworks

July 02, 2008 07:10 pm

— By Colby Williams
news@joplinglobe.com
The pyrotechnic displays that put wonder in every child’s eyes can also put fear in every parent’s heart.
In any town, cracks and pops can already be heard when evening comes around. It must be fireworks season.
This time of year does not have to distress parents too much, however. Experts agree it is easy to have an enjoyable Fourth of July without any scares.
Safety first
Aaron Colson, owner of all the local Black Market Fireworks locations, says that using common sense is a must.
“Keep a safe distance from any (fireworks) you’re shooting, read the description on the package before purchasing, always follow the instructions on the labels, don’t point or shoot at each other, and parents should do the lighting for children,” Colson said.
He recommends fireworks like snappers, smoke bombs, snakes and tanks for children. Even the big ones, though, should not worry cautious audiences.
“All fireworks are sampled and tested,” Colson said. “If one is aerial, for example, it has to prove it will burn out before anything hits the ground.”
One of the top fireworks manufacturers, Black Cat, even advertises its products as “meeting or exceeding” all the required standards, indicating how safe the industry now is.
“You just don’t hear about accidents and silly things like we used to,” Colson said. “People are pretty aware of the dangers. Labeling and packaging have gotten a lot better.”
Even with the fireworks industry’s progress, Colson stresses that parents and children use fireworks together. Parental guidance now could lead to a lifetime of safe summer celebrations.
“I grew up doing fireworks,” said Lee Ann Dunn, mother of two small children. “They can be scary if you don’t know much about them, so I’ll definitely have my girls watch them and see how it’s done correctly.”
Even if safety is necessary for the season, creativity can be a mom’s best friend.
“When I was a kid, we choreographed our fireworks shows,” said Dunn. “So I think you can make the safety part the fun part.”
Treating injuries
But even the most attentive moms cannot protect children from everything. Luckily, the most common injuries of the season are easy to take care of at home.
“The simplest and safest thing to do for a burn is to wash it quickly with soap and water,” said Leslie Allen, charge nurse of the emergency room at Freeman Health System. “Submerge extremities in cool water to stop the burning.”
She recommends soaking minor burns for up to 30 minutes. Sometimes, though, there are boo-boos even moms should not try to heal.
“If the burn is around the eyes, seek medical care,” Allen said. “Also, if pain increases or remains after soaking it for quite a while, you should get it looked at.”
Fortunately, there are plenty of medical facilities in the Four State area ready to help with firework-related accidents. Most of them will not be expecting to see children, however.
“Surprisingly, most accidents are from adults,” Allen said. “Fireworks and alcohol don’t mix.”

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