HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital is putting out guidance on firework safety and what you can do to keep you and your loved ones safe over the holiday. 180 people on average according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries. Of those injuries, 57% are burns. These injuries tend to be mostly on the hands, fingers, legs, face, and eyes. 

If you do decide to shoot fireworks off, keep in mind some tips to help keep you safe. Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying and using them. You should never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks—even sparklers can burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees which is hot enough to melt metal. One safe alternative HSHS says is to use glowsticks. Always keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby for a quick water source if something goes wrong. Never place any part of your body directly over a firework when lighting the fuse. 

Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them from metal or glass containers and never try to relight or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully. Once your done, soak all spent fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can. Never discard fireworks including used ones, in a firepit. Avoid buying fireworks packaged in brown paper as this is often a sign they were made for professional use only. 

More fireworks safety tips are available on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website at cpsc.gov/fireworks. If you know someone or if you get injured by a firework and are in need of emergency care, call 9-1-1 or visit your nearest emergency room immediately.