BOARDMAN, Ohio -
This time of year, more so than any other time of year, people are injured from playing with fireworks. In fact, 65 percent of fireworks-related injuries in 2013 occurred in the 30 days surrounding the fourth.
"Sparklers seem to be the number one cause of injuries to children. Parents feel they are safe, but they actually burn at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit," said Humility of Mary Health Partners orthopedic surgeon Dr. Adrian Butler.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, injuries to the hands and fingers are the most common. A recent study by the commission highlights an increase in fireworks-related injuries. In 2013, 11,400 people were injured by fireworks, up from 8,700 in 2012.
"Small firecrackers, legal type fireworks usually don't result in severe injury. Some of the more severe injuries related to illegal fireworks, pipe bombs, mortars, those types of injuries can cause severe damage," said Dr. Butler.
To reduce your chances of injury, Dr. Butler suggests following the step-by-step directions on fireworks. Don't ever try to re-ignite them. Keep your body away from explosives when lighting them and setting them off and keep a hose or bucket of water close by.
"You shouldn't point any fireworks at anybody. You shouldn't set fireworks off in closed containers, metal containers or glass, as they can cause combustion or shatter and break and cause other injuries," said Dr. Butler.
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