Keeping your 4th of July safe for the whole family

The 4th of July means fireworks. But if you aren't careful, it can also lead to serious injuries. Here are 5 tips for fireworks safety.

We all look forward to a spectacular display of lights on the 4th of July. But fireworks can come with its own set of dangers. Dr. Raymond Wittstadt with Greater Chesapeake Hand Specialists says, "We've seen some very devastating injuries. When things are blown up you can lose fingers, and parts of fingers.”

Dr. Wittstadt says the most common injury from fireworks comes from sparklers. So the first tip, be careful when using them, especially around children. Dr. Wittstadt says, "Sparklers burn at a very high temperature, almost 2,000 degrees, so instant contact with a sparkler in any part causes an immediate third degree burn."

The second tip to avoid getting hurt is if you're going to a public fireworks display, don't get too close to the launching site.

When the show is over, don't pick up firework debris. Dr. Wittstadt says that's the third tip. “Some of the spent debris from professional fireworks can still be hot and if it lands on the ground, some parts don't even explode or burn completely, so you shouldn't be picking those up."

Most fireworks are illegal in Maryland. But ground based sparkler devices are not. If you plan to use them in your backyard, pay attention to this fourth tip. Dr. Wittstadt says, "If something doesn't go off exactly the way it's supposed to, you need to douse it with a little water and then you can approach it."

The fifth and final tip, alcohol and fireworks don't mix. Poor judgment can lead to serious injuries. Dr. Wittstadt says, "A serious burn can damage not only the skin but also the nerve and the artery underneath and perhaps even the tendon."

And that's enough to turn anyone's fourth into a frantic trip to the ER.

Fireworks should never be used indoors. If you plan to light your own outside, have a bucket of water or hose ready nearby.