Skip to main content

TEXT SIZE:

-A A +A
Translate EN
    In the Community Health and Wellness Lifestyle

    Firework Safety

    Posted on by Emily Shrader

    Did you know that fireworks cause over 9,000 visits to the emergency room each year?

    Of those visits, about 15% are eye-related injuries. In an effort to keep your 4th of July celebration safe, keep these tips in mind over the holiday weekend:

    • Leave it to the professionals

     Though it’s fun to light a firecracker or sparkler, it’s best to leave the firework displays to licensed operators.

    • Be Aware of Your Surroundings

    An alarming 65% of firework injuries are to bystanders. Even at a professional firework display, be aware of what is going on around you.

    • Know How to Treat an Eye Injury

    Firework-related eye injuries can vary from blunt force trauma, heat burns and chemical exposure. These types of injuries should be considered a medical emergency. It is important to:

    • Seek immediate medical attention
    • Avoid rubbing the eye
    • Avoid rinsing the eye
    • Avoid pressure to the eye
    • Avoid removing any object stuck in the eye

    About the Author

    Emily Shrader

    Emily Shrader

    Marketing Manager

    Emily started at VBA as the Marketing Assistant in January 2016. She worked to create and maintain VBA’s blog, regulate all social media channels, and develop our e-mail marketing campaigns. Prior to joining our team, she was the Marketing and Social Media Coordinator for The Catholic Cemeteries Association. Emily received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the Pennsylvania State University in 2013.

    In December 2017, Emily began her role as Marketing Manager. Her main responsibilities include day-to-day relationship management and project management of our strategic marketing initiatives, assisting in planning and implementing marketing objectives and continuing to develop needed marketing materials and branded collateral pieces.

    Emily was born and raised in Pittsburgh and currently resides in McCandless Township. She enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family and, of course, cheering on the Nittany Lions.

    The information contained above is intended to be educational in nature, does not constitute medical advice, and should not be relied on as a substitute for actual professional medical advice, care or treatment. If you have any vision, dental or other health related concerns, VBA encourages you to immediately contact your optometrist/ophthalmologist, dentist/orthodontist or any other competent, licensed, medical professional.