Holiday Safety Tips To Keep Party Out Of ER

MIAMI, FL — With no shortage of family gatherings and barbecues around the Miami area, first responders have put together some helpful tips to keep your July 4 party in the backyard and out of the emergency room.

"Always buy fireworks from approved vendors," explained Ozzy Norat of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. "Never aim or shoot fireworks at people or into crowds."

Norat suggested that families keep a bucket of water, fire extinguisher or garden hose handy in case the holiday celebration gets out of hand.

"Fireworks are synonymous with Independence Day celebrations, but they can also cause devastating burns, injuries, fires, and even death," Miami-Dade Fire Rescue warns.

Here are some additional tips courtesy of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue:

• Never allow small children to ignite or play with fireworks: A responsible adult should supervise fireworks at all times.
• Light fireworks in a combustible-free area such as a driveway or other paved surface: Keep fireworks at least 25 feet away from grassy and vegetated areas. Avoid wood or dry materials that can easily catch on fire and never ignite fireworks in metal or glass containers.
• Never attempt to relight or alter malfunctioning fireworks: To prevent a trash fire, dispose of used fireworks properly by soaking them in water before throwing them in the trash.
• Always keep water nearby: A garden hose, bucket of water or fire extinguisher must always be within reach in case of emergency.
• Light one firework at a time, and move away quickly: Never point or throw fireworks at people or animals. Remain a safe distance away from the devices and wear safety glasses.
• Children under the age of 10 should be supervised when handling sparklers: Sparklers can burn up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is strong enough to melt some metals. Just imagine what this can do to children's eyes and hands.
• Leave it to the professionals: The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at a public fireworks display that is put on by trained professionals. These fireworks are usually also free of charge and way more impressive than anything you can buy on a street corner.
• Fireworks and alcohol do not mix: Adults consuming alcohol while discharging fireworks are a significant contributor to mishaps and are likelier to suffer injury.
• In case of a fire or burn emergency: Call 9-1-1 immediately.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission an estimated 11,100 fireworks-related injuries were treated in emergency rooms across the United States in 2016. Parents are reminded to ensure the safety of their children by closely supervising personal fireworks use, and by purchasing only legal fireworks from approved vendors.

It's important for parents to be present when sparklers and fireworks are ignited, and to ensure that the materials are lit in an open area away from homes, vehicles, trees and any combustibles. Young children should not be allowed to handle sparklers and fireworks as they can cause severe burns and eye injuries.

Children younger than five had the second highest rate of injury behind young adults ages 20 to 24. Additionally, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires. These fires caused an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and an average of $43 million in direct property damage.

Watch as Norat discusses safety tips to keep your party in the backyard and out of the ER.

Visit fireworks safety tips to make it a safe and happy Fourth of July.

Video and image courtesy Miami-Dade Fire Rescue