Thursday, July 03, 2014
Follow safety precautions this Fourth of July
Nothing says “celebration” like fireworks on the Fourth of July. It’s one summer event that people of every age look forward to each year. Many communities host fireworks displays, open to the public, conducted by trained professionals. The chaos and crowds are all part of the excitement.
I was talking about summer activities with my friend and
colleague Jill Schaff, RN, Backus Trauma Program Coordinator. She mentioned how she dreads the
inevitable stream of people with traumatic injuries that will present in the
Emergency Department around the Fourth of July.
Most of them, usually children and teens, are injured while
using consumer fireworks.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, consumer
fireworks include sparklers and firecrackers. The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than
1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause third-degree burns. To put this in perspective, water boils
at 212 degrees, cakes bake at 350 degrees and glass melts at 900 degrees.
Few people understand the associated risks of consumer
fireworks — devastating burns, other injuries like finger amputations,
fires and even death. Despite the dangers, they are not illegal.
Well, now that’s the bad news. The good news is we can all still enjoy the holiday by
leaving fireworks to the professionals.
Call your local town hall to inquire if
and when a public fireworks display is scheduled. For those in the Norwich
area, the July 4 Extravaganza 2014 will be held at the Marina at American
Wharf, 1 American Way, on Saturday, July 5, from 7-10 p.m. Family fun and
children’s activities will include bounce houses, face painting, local bands,
food vendors and most important of all, a huge fireworks display.
Now that’s a celebration. Wishing a happy and safe Fourth of
July to all!
Alice Facente is a community health nurse for the Backus
Health System. This advice should not replace the advice of your personal
healthcare provider. To comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy
Living blog at www.healthydocs.blogspot.com or e-mail Ms. Facente or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org.
# posted by ----------------- @ 12:05 PM 
