Mercy Health Encourages Fireworks Safety Ahead of July 4th Holiday

Fireworks are often associated with food, parties, and a lot of fun. However, for the thousands of people sent to the emergency department from fireworks each year, it’s a much different experience.

​“I’ve seen firsthand the increase in injuries during the holiday due to fireworks. While they’re a beloved tradition that can be a lot of fun, it’s important to remember that safety comes first. By following these simple precautions, you can help ensure that your celebration remains a joyful one — without the need for an emergency department visit,” said Noel Helton, Director of Emergency Services for Mercy Health - Springfield.

Here are some important safety reminders to ensure you and your family can enjoy the light show with ease:

• Read labels: Just because you’ve used fireworks in the past doesn’t make you an expert. Because all fireworks are different, reading labels is important to make sure you are setting fireworks off correctly. It can often be surprising how different each set of fireworks can be. Therefore, taking extra caution is always recommended.
• Keep water nearby: If a firework doesn’t work, soak it in a bucket of water. No one should handle malfunctioning fireworks, and they should never be re-lit. Knowing the dud fireworks are in a bucket of water will prevent anyone at the party from trying to do so.
  
  Having water accessible is also important in case of fire. While you should always light fireworks a safe distance from trees and structures, accidents happen. Ensuring you have a water source nearby is critical in case a fire does start.
• Help children: While kids are often enticed by the bright lights, you should never let them operate fireworks on their own. Always have an adult take the lead. This is also a great opportunity to teach children safety tips, as they watch the supervising adult.
  
  Additionally, consider what fireworks, including sparklers, are going to be used if children are present. Sparklers burn about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to melt some metals. Some fireworks, which still pose a burn risk, are considered safer around children, including glow worms and colored snakes, because they stay on the ground. You can even forego fireworks altogether when children are around and use an alternative, such as glow sticks.
• Avoid alcohol: Simply put — alcohol and fireworks don’t mix. If you want to have a few drinks, choose someone else from your group to operate the fireworks. Lighting fireworks while impaired significantly raises your risk of getting injured or accidentally injuring someone else.

Putting safety first ensures fireworks will be a fun and safe experience, as intended. However, accidents can still happen. If you do get a minor injury or burn, a local walk-in care clinic may be able to handle it. For more serious injuries and burns, you’ll also have access to an emergency department 24/7. Mercy Health is committed to providing you and your family with a fast diagnosis and treatment in emergency situations. To learn more about the emergency care services available to you, visit mercy.com.

About Mercy Health - Springfield
Mercy Health – Springfield is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH) one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country. The ministry’s quality, compassionate care is provided by nearly 60,000 associates serving communities in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia, as well as throughout Ireland. BSMH provides care for patients nearly 14 million times annually through its network of more than 1,200 care sites, which includes 50 hospitals. In 2024, BSMH provided more than $500 million dollars in community investments across five states, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to health care for our patients in need. Locally, Mercy Health – Springfield, which includes Springfield Regional Medical Center and Urbana Hospital, has a mission to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of our communities and bring good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. Mercy Health – Springfield is a comprehensive, regional health care system, known for quality, innovation, compassionate service, and a caring culture. With two hospitals and numerous physician offices and care locations, Mercy Health ensures easy access to safe, effective, timely and cost-efficient care for every stage of life through a network of hospitals, nursing homes and retirement communities as well as rehabilitation and outreach services. The mission of Bon Secours Mercy Health is to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of its communities and bring good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. Visit mercy.com for additional information.