Shriners Hospitals for Children — Galveston Reminds Families About Firework Safety

Nothing says “Independence Day” quite like a great fireworks display, but with many of this year’s community displays being canceled, families may try to create the same excitement at home. Fireworks, even those that seem harmless, can be dangerous if safety precautions are not observed.

Shriners Hospitals for Children — Galveston wants to remind everyone to be especially careful with fireworks when little ones are around. Nearly half of all fireworks injuries involve children under the age of 18. Remembering a few simple precautions can help to avoid accidental burns:

• For the youngest children, consider glow sticks as a safe alternative to sparklers, which can burn at temperatures hot enough to melt glass.
• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose close by to douse used fireworks and sparklers.
• Never hold a firework too close to yourself or others when lighting, and only light one at a time.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes, then soak it in water.

Galveston’s pediatric burn hospital has become world-famous for developing many of the standards for modern burn care across the globe. Our highly specialized team provides the utmost quality of care and treatment for children who have small, “everyday” kinds of burns or very serious life-threatening burn injuries and other skin conditions.

Even with precautions, accidents can happen. If a child does sustain a burn injury of any size, the knowledgeable staff at the Galveston Shriners Hospital can provide the best possible outcome.