Doctors urge safety when using fireworks

HOUSTON – There are 10,000 reported injuries in the United States relating to fireworks, so doctors want people to be extra cautious around them.

Roughly 50 percent of those are injuries to children.

"Anything from flash burns from sparklers to explosives injuries, usually on the hands. We see a lot of eye injuries from exploding particles," said Dr. James McCarthy, director of Memorial Hermann Emergency Services.

Sparklers burn at 2,000 degrees.

"The sparklers are the ones everybody thinks are the kids' fireworks," said McCarthy.

Emergency responders say it's best to let the professionals handle the fireworks, but if you live in an area where fireworks are legal, always have adults handle everything.

Officials said anyone using fireworks should have water and a fire extinguisher nearby.


About the Author:

Emmy-nominated journalist, boy mom, wife, crossfitter and recovering news anchor.