Watch Now: Burns and Other Holiday Dangers (Infographic)

Fireworks, barbecue picnics and outdoor fun are key ingredients of Fourth of July festivities. But declarations of safety are also important on Independence Day and year round, says Ricardo Castrellon, M.D., plastic surgeon and a burn specialist at South Miami Hospital and other Baptist Health entities. Taking the right safety precautions will help you prevent burns from fireworks and grilling activities, Dr. Castrellon says. (Watch now to hear Dr. Castrellon talk about safety tips for fireworks and grills.)

Every year, burns linked to fireworks create danger and potential tragedy for thousands of families in the U.S., according to data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

In 2014, injuries linked to fireworks were more than 10,000 — down from 11,000 injuries in 2013). But deaths caused by fireworks jumped to 11 in 2014, up from 8 the previous year, according to the CPSC. (For more information about firework safety, please see the infographic below).

Burns linked to outdoor grills are also a seasonal hazard. “Each year an average of 8,800 home fires are caused by grilling, and close to half of all injuries involving grills are due to thermal burns,” according to the National Fire Protection Agency.

Safety Tips and Information:

Before lighting the grill, do a safety check.
– Has your grill been recalled? Check SaferProducts.gov. If the grill has been recalled, contact the manufacturer and stop using it until you get a repair or replacement.
– Visually inspect the hoses on a gas grill for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing and that all connections are secure. Replace if necessary.
– Check for propane gas leaks. Open the gas supply valve fully and apply a soapy solution with a brush at the connection point. If bubbles appear, there is a leak. Try tightening the tank connection. If that does not stop the leak, close the gas valve and have the grill repaired by a qualified professional.
– Is the grill clean? Regularly cleaning the grill, as described in the owner’s manual, and also cleaning the grease trap, will reduce the risk of flare-ups and grease fires.
Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Tags: Burns, injury prevention