“I think the one piece of advice I would give is just to pause for a minute, think about your environment, and think about how you can enjoy things safely.”
Summer represents a season of fun for families. However, it can also quickly turn dangerous without proper precautions.
UPMC Mercy Burn Center partnered with Allegheny County public safety officials to demonstrate the risks of activities like fireworks, grilling, and campfires.
Jenny Ziembicki, MD, medical director, UPMC Mercy Burn Center, says burn injuries increase around the Fourth of July. Almost 50% of firework-related injuries occur within the first week of July, according to Dr. Ziembicki.
“We see injuries from everything from sparklers, which burn very hot, to larger types of fireworks as well,” Dr. Ziembicki says.
“We see a ton of injuries of people falling into firepits,” she adds. “Just make sure that you have a safe perimeter. You don't want to sit too close. You don't want to stand too close to that area.”
Dr. Ziembicki says even minor injuries to the hands, feet, and face can have lifelong consequences.
“Burn injuries, particularly the ones that we see around the Fourth of July, often affect areas of function,” Dr. Ziembicki says. “They can change not only your outward appearance but also how you function.”
Public safety officials demonstrated the flammability of everyday clothing and the dangers of fireworks. They also emphasized that putting fireworks in water does not always extinguish them.
“We're showing kids and adults some of the things that can go wrong,” says Monique Jones, bomb technician, Allegheny County Police. “Especially when you're playing with fire or any type of fireworks.”
Officials also stress grill safety and proper maintenance. Jones says grills are often left outside year-round without being cleaned, creating the potential for danger.
“Even basic things like spiderwebs, their webs are very strong,” Jones says. “So, when you're lighting propane and keep lighting it, the web itself can hold it, and the next day, you've got a big fireball coming at you.”
Jones suggests regularly checking the grill hose for holes. She says a hole in the hose can cause an awning or siding to catch fire.
Most importantly, when it comes to fire safety, don't assume “it can’t happen to me," Jones says.
“As far as kids (go), let adults do the fireworks,” Jones says. “Take the extra little time to make sure — whether it’s your grill, whether it’s your firepit — everything’s up to code before you light it.”
Dr. Ziembicki offers similar guidance when practicing fire safety in the summer.
“I think the one piece of advice I would give is just to pause for a minute, think about your environment, and think about how you can enjoy things safely,” she says.
At UPMC, Life Changing Medicine means educating families about the proper precautions for a fun and safe summer.
