First Responders Warn Revelers To Stay Safe This 4th Of July

SEATTLE — First responders are reminding everyone to be careful this 4th of July.

Most communities are asking residents to consider giving fireworks a pass this holiday. But if you absolutely must set some off, experts are urging extreme caution.

“Fireworks injuries really reach a crescendo around the time between June 16th and July 16th," said Dr. Stephen Kennedy, a hand and wrist surgeon with UW Medicine. "That's actually when the majority of fireworks injuries happen for our entire year, and they really reach a peak on the night of July 4th, as you would expect.”

Every year, hundreds of Washingtonians are injured improperly handling fireworks around the holiday. Last year, 237 firework-related injuries were reported in Washington.

UW Medicine had to perform 42 finger amputations and two hand amputations last 4th of July, which they say is relatively typical. As Kennedy notes, hands are just about the worst thing you can injure.

“The hands are so important to how we interact with others, how we gesture when we're talking, even holding hands with your partner. But it's also how many people make their livelihoods.”

As a result, Kennedy and UW Medicine are warning everyone: if you're going to set off fireworks this year, remember to be smart. Stay sober, supervise children, and follow the instructions very closely. Make sure to protect your eyes and your hands. Or better yet- leave the show to the pros.

“Try to find ways to do the public displays," Kennedy said. "If you can avoid doing it yourself, that's going to be a lot better. For me, I just think that the risks of holding a firework and lighting it are just so great. The potential loss to you is so high that it's not worth it.”

Of course, fireworks can also be dangerous for the environment. Last year fireworks set 360 fires in Washington, causing more than $1,300,000 in damages, according to the Washington State Patrol. To avoid sparking up fires, try not to light fireworks unless winds are low, and have a bucket of water on hand to quickly douse any that get out of hand. Also, make sure to douse all fireworks after using them to prevent a trash fire.