Firework safety tips to avoid accidents, injury

With July 4 approaching, parents and children are rushing to local stores to purchase fireworks. While the Fourth of July can be a great time for fun, there are rules of safety that may help everyone enjoy the holiday more cautiously. \n"The Fourth of July is a great family time, but make sure you read and understand the warning labels on fireworks," said Tyler Hawkins an employee at Steve's Fireworks of Bloomington. \nWith everyone purchasing fireworks, there are greater chances of people being injured. Misuse of fireworks can lead to personal injury or hurting someone else. \n"If the fuse is lit and the firecracker doesn't go off, then do not try to relight the fuse," Hawkins said. "Relighting the fuse might cause the firework to go off instantly." \nTrying to relight the fuse is one of the major causes of injury. When lighting fireworks, it is best to use an item called a punk stick. Most firework stores will provide a few punk sticks at no extra cost.\n"We provide punk sticks for all of our customers," said Hawkins.\nThe Bloomington Township Fire Department strongly recommends punk sticks for anyone that is planning to ignite fireworks. \n"The punk sticks are made to protect the hand from burns," said Chief Faron Livingston of the Bloomington Township Fire Department. \nChoosing not to use the punk stick could cause serious injury to the hand. \n"(The) most common cause of injury is standing too close or holding on too long to the firecracker," Livingston said. \nBefore setting off fireworks, make sure to have a first-aid kit, water and access to a phone. The most common injury that Bloomington fire fighters deal with is burns. \n"Monroe County does not have many firecracker related injuries. However, around the Fourth of July, the most common injury we treat is second degree burns," Livingston said. \nEven through cautious steps such as being careful and properly lighting fireworks, an injury could still take place. If burned, it is best to treat the injury with water.\n"Cold water is the best immediate treatment for burns," Livingston said. "Many believe that rubbing butter or wrapping the burn is best. When in fact, cold water is the best solution until professional medical attention arrives." \nRubbing butter over a burn, a common home remedy for aiding burns, will actually keep the heat from escaping your skin, which allows the heat to do further damage to skin tissue. If the burn is wrapped before professional medical treatment, blisters that form may pop making it very painful to remove the bandages. In order to safely remove the bandages, soak the bandages under cold running water in order to loosen them for safe removal. Most important of all, when a bad injury takes place, call 9-1-1.\nSenior Cole McKown said he believes strongly in protecting yourself and others while shooting off fireworks.\n"Fireworks are no joking matter," he said. \nMcKown said it is important that college students understand the dangers.\n"A college student could easily be injured if they do not know what they are doing," McKown said. "Understanding what firework you're lighting off, and having the right tools will ensure a fun and safe time for you and your friends." \n-- Contact staff writer Nick Pittman at npittman@indiana.edu.