Don't get burned this Fourth of July

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Celebrating the Fourth of July typically includes fireworks and if you plan on shooting them off yourself, law enforcement and fire officials encourage you to practice safety first.

"Be smart, be safe. That's pretty much the type of message we try to get out," said Derrick Davis, inspector for the Lafayette Fire Department.

Dr. William Curry works in the Emergency Room at Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health Central Hospital. He said he typically sees a lot of burn cases during the Independence Day holiday.

Medical, law enforcement and fire officials all recommend using common sense. It may seem obvious but there might also be things you don't know, like the fact sparklers can reach 1200 degrees fahrenheit and shouldn't be used by children under the age of 12.

First and foremost, the general rule of thumb is to remember that alcohol and fireworks don't mix. Both Dr. Curry and Davis said a majority of the problems on the fourth are alcohol-related.

Davis also advises you make sure to take the proper precautions, such as keeping a bucket of water nearby just in case. Another important thing to keep in mind: keep your audience, especially children, back at a safe distance. Davis suggests at least 30 feet.

Also remember to follow the directions by the fireworks manufacturer. Everyone wants to have the best display on the block, and sometimes neighbors try to "out do" each other but Davis said that is when accidents can happen.

"Don't try to alter any of your fireworks. If it's a dud, put it in a bucket of water, spray it down and don't try to re-light it," Davis said.

You hope to be sitting and enjoying the show, not nursing a burn wound or worse.

"Occasionally we see a couple of finger amputations from bigger blasts or severe burns," Dr. Curry said.

If you do get hurt this Fourth of July, Dr. Curry advises you to see a doctor if your burn blisters or the pain doesn't seem to get any better.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports last year, during the 30 days surrounding July 4th, fireworks like sparklers, bottle rockets and small firecrackers sent about 1,900 injured consumers to emergency rooms. CPSC's statistics show that in 2010 about 8,600 consumers ended up in hospital emergency rooms due to injuries involving legal and illegal fireworks.

The CPSC's annual death and injury report on fireworks shows approximately 40 percent of estimated injuries occurred to children 15-years-old or younger. In addition, three fatalities were reported in 2010.