With the 250th anniversary of the United State on the horizon, you know there will be numerous celebrations this summer. Fireworks, grilling and family and friend gatherings will keep park pavilions and blankets outside crowded this July.
Both fireworks and grills pose dangers to your health, however, and you don’t want to celebrate our nation’s birth in a burn center. Here’s how to do what you can to ensure you don’t:
Take a lesson from your cats and dogs, who quiver when they hear fireworks boom: Respect just how dangerous fireworks are. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, sparklers burn at approximately 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. (For comparison, water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit.) Sparklers are the fireworks many of our parents and grandparents considered safe. As an alternative, consider attending your city fireworks display. There, you and your family can safely and peacefully watch the fireworks that are bigger than what you can buy legally — for free. If you don’t like your town’s regular celebration, you can always drive to a bigger one nearby.
Be extremely careful if you decide to set off fireworks. Buy only from reputable dealers (no brown packaging), keep your kids away from where they’re lit, look what’s around you before setting them off, throw away supposed “dud” fireworks and keep a bucket of water nearby. Find more tips at CPSC.gov/Fireworks.
Follow the safety instructions on your grill, which will maximize enjoyment and minimize harm. If you can’t find instructions, look online to locate your grill model on the company site. Often what’s included will be these kinds of warnings:
Don’t use a propane or charcoal grill inside.
Ensure the space where you use your outdoor grill is free from branches, children and pets.
Always be aware of the grill while it’s in use to avoid accidents.
Prepare the grill, such as making sure it’s clean before using it.
Avoid wearing flowing or loose-fitting clothes that could lead to injuries if you’re lighting a firework or a grill.
Make sure you have clear judgment when handling potentially dangerous products like fireworks and grills. When doing things that could harm yourself or others, make sure you’re not impaired (such as from excessive alcohol or mind-altering drugs).
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby for any gatherings with a grill — even if you’re not the one flipping the burgers. According to 2020-2024 statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), July tends to see the highest number of grilling fires.
For more information on how to grill safely, go to NFPA.Org/Education-and-Research/Home-Fire-Safety/Grilling. If you’re looking for more burn prevention methods, please call the Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center at Eskenazi Health: 1-317-880-6900.
Broderick Rhyant, M.D., chief physician executive with Eskenazi Health Center Grande
