Tips to protect your hands and be safe when lighting fireworks

(WPHL) — It’s the 4th of July, and whether you’re staying at home, going to a party, or heading down the shore, chances are either you or someone you know will be lighting fireworks. But do you know how to celebrate and light them safely?

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 14,700 people were treated in Emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries last year.

Dr. Michael Rivlin, MD, Hand & Wrist Surgeon at Rothman Orthopaedics joined PHL17’s Rachel Moore to discuss fireworks safety and avoiding an unwanted trip to the ER.

Dr. Rivlin reminds everyone to keep these safety tips in mind:

• If you are lighting any fireworks, stay away from alcohol.
• Always point all fireworks away from you, trees, buildings, and others.
• Fireworks that need to be grounded should never be lit while you are still holding them.
• Sparklers can burn up to 2000 degrees, so be careful when holding and lighting them, especially with children.
• Keep children and pets away.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby.
• Do not try to relight duds.
  • Pour water on it and then properly and safely dispose of it.