Fireworks and Barbecue Safety:

There's fun to be had on Independence Day but it's important to stay safe

by Daniel Sean Kaye

Summer is the season of carefree, outdoor fun. Well, maybe not care “free.” There are still things to be cautious of when we’re outside, especially when considering our children. And with Independence Day coming up – the grand-daddy of the summer season holidays – firework and grilling safety should be at the forefront of our minds.

Even though it may seem common sense to think that handling fireworks can be dangerous, according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), about 6,400 Americans were treated at emergency departments last July 4th weekend and each year that number remains steady.

In addition, according to Prevent Blindness America and the American Society of Ocular Trauma, each year about 400 Americans permanently lose vision in one or both eyes due to fireworks. Children under the age 16 make up about 36 percent of this number and children under age 5 account for about a third of that amount. (See the end of this article for a list of emergency tips for eye injuries.) Prevent Blindness America also says that fireworks thought of as “safe and sound” cause more injuries than illegal ones, with nine out of 10 injuries coming from fireworks meeting federal regulations. Perhaps everyone is safer by leaving the fireworks to the professionals.

With all the fun of outdoor festivities, people often take for granted that children will be careful around the grill. Little ones especially don’t realize how dangerous a grill can be. How many times have you seen a toddler move quickly through your house towards an item that is inappropriate or dangerous? They can move a lot faster in the backyard, when adults are busy entertaining and easily distracted.

The New York City Fire Department and the CPSC say there are many ways adults can make barbecuing safer. Before you begin cooking, check the grill for cracks and leaks and make sure no obstruction is blocking the burners. Keep the grill more than 10 feet from the house and on level ground and NEVER place it on a surface that can burn (such as a wooden porch or deck). Make a chalk line around the grill as a safety zone for kids, and have a fire extinguisher and plenty of water available.

While you barbecue, do not wear loose clothes that could catch fire and be sure to use long-handled tools and flame-resistant mitts. Only use barbecue starter fluid (and no other flammable chemicals) to get the grill going, but never squirt it into an open flame (it could flashback against you). And, of course, never leave the grill unattended.

In case of a fire, it is suggested:
• To close the grill lid for charcoal grills, and to disconnect the power for electric grills.
• For propane grills, turn off the burners and shut off the tank valve if you can reach it safely. (If the fire involves the tank, evacuate the area and dial 911).
• Never try to put out a grease fire with water as that will cause the flames to flare up. Instead, use a fire extinguisher.

Remember, when using any style grill – read your owner’s manual to see how to properly service the grill at the beginning of the season, as well as to find out safety tips and concerns.

Even if you’ve been a griller for decades, there are things you can learn to make the celebrations safer for your children, grandchildren, and guests. You owe it to your visitors to put their safety first.

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Ocular Trauma Tips

Here are some steps to help save your child’s sight in the event of an accident, courtesy of Prevent Blindness America:

• Do not rub the eye as this can increase bleeding or make the injury worse.
• Do not attempt to rinse out the eye since this can be even more damaging than rubbing.
• Do not apply pressure to the eye itself. Consider holding or taping a foam cup or the bottom of a juice carton to the eye because protecting the eye from further contact with any item – including the child’s hand – is the goal.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers will not do much to relieve pain. Aspirin should never be given to children and ibuprofen can thin the blood, increasing bleeding. Take the child to the emergency room at once.
• Do not apply ointment because it makes the area around the eye slippery and harder for the doctor to examine.
• Do not let your child play with fireworks, even if his/her friends are setting them off. Sparklers burn at 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, and bottle rockets can stray off course or throw shrapnel when they explode.

Prevent Blindness America offers a free copy of their Safe Summer Celebrations brochure by calling 800-331-2020 or visiting www.preventblindness.org.