7 tips for a safer Fourth of July fireworks show

Summer and Independence Day is a great time to celebrate with family and friends and see fireworks. 

As an emergency physician, I see plenty of firework injuries each year that could easily be avoided. 

Firework shows are safest when left to the professionals. 

However, if you're planning to put on a small show for your family and friends at home, here are some important points to remind yourself of the proper, and safe, ways to use fireworks with these quick tips.

7 firework safety tips

1.Only responsible adults should be lighting fireworks

Michigan law states that anyone using fireworks should not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Not only is that the law, but it can help to prevent injuries. 

2. Buy your fireworks from a reputable source

Don't buy fireworks that aren't clearly labeled and packaged. 

Fireworks should have clear safety instructions on them. 

Buying from a reputable source can also decrease your chances of purchasing fireworks that have been tampered with or altered. 

If they are in plain brown wrappers without instructions, those may be intended for professional use only.

Leave those for the experts. 

3. Keep your lighting area clear and know your local conditions 

Make sure spectators are a safe distance away from the spot you intend to light the fireworks.

It's also smart to check the area for anything flammable that may be easily ignited by a stray spark.

Also, check the local fire risk and be aware of the risk of wildfires from stray fireworks, especially in rural areas. 

4. Follow the instructions

Each firework has specific lighting requirements.

Never place yourself or anyone else directly in the expected path of a firework while lighting. Light only one at a time.

Reading the instructions can minimize your chances of starting a fire or injuring yourself or bystanders. 

5. Have a way to put out small fires or duds

It's a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or at least a bucket of water nearby should one of your fireworks create a small fire or simply not light properly. 

6. Never relight a malfunctioning firework

Consider that firework a loss!

Your safety and life are not worth trying to relight a firework that may not be functioning properly and could explode if you get impatient and walk toward it.

Keep well clear and plan to deal with it at the end of the show. 

6. Don't look into a dud

If a firework doesn't seem to ignite or shoot off properly, don't mess with it.

Many people are injured when looking into a firework to see what's wrong and then it happens to explode.

Leave the dud alone, and at the end of the night safely spray it with water from a distance to make sure any stray flames are suppressed. 

7. Remember: Sparklers are not a safer choice 

Parents tend to think sparklers are a fun and safer way for children to enjoy the holiday, but that couldn't be further from the truth.

Sparklers are essentially an open flame and burn at an extremely high temperature.

Add in young children running around with one in their hand and the possibility of injuries skyrockets.

The metal wire at the core of most sparklers can remain extremely hot and can cause burns to any part of the body that they contact. Dropped sparklers can puncture or burn the bottoms of people’s feet.

Be sure everyone is wearing shoes when using sparklers.

Keep a small metal bucket or can filled with water nearby to safely store used sparklers and quickly cool them off.