how to prevent injuries during Independence Day celebrations
LOWCOUNTRY, S.C. (WCIV) — There is just two days remaining until the Fourth of July, and as the Lowcountry prepares to celebrate, medical professionals are reminding residents to be safe and stay aware of the risk of injury during the holiday.
Dr. David Geier joined “Good Morning Charleston” Wednesday to explain how to stay safe and celebrate, and what individuals should be prepared to do should they witness someone get injured.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 11 fireworks related deaths in 2024 and over 14,000 people reported fireworks related injuries in that same year.
Geier advises that avoiding these injuries is simple with a few guidelines.
READ MORE | Firework regulations in South Carolina: Know the rules before celebrating Independence Day
“Its the simple things. I am a big believer that young kids should not be handling fireworks, and even older kids and teenagers should be supervised. Really this is for adults, adults not under the influence of alcohol and drugs and in very safe places. Open areas away from homes away from cars that have fuel and can light on fire, dry grass anything flammable,” said Geier.
He advises that hoses and buckets of water should be placed nearby at the ready should anything catch on fire.
Even those who opt for a less explosive option to celebrate by using sparklers, can still be harmed like any other, in the form of potentially severe burns.
“It really gets into, is it a seemingly minor burn or is it deep full thickness, which is sort of a different story. For minor burns you want to run it under cool water. Not cold but cool water for 10 to 20 minutes or wrap it in a cool damp cloth. once that is done, clean with soap and water and use petroleum jelly or aloe vera gel and then a loose nonstick bandage,” said Geier.
He also advises to remove any tight jewelry from on and around the affected area before it starts to swell.
READ MORE | THE LIST: Where to watch and celebrate the Fourth of July around Charleston
In the Lowcountry, setting of fireworks is limited in some areas, and others have a complete ban in place
In the town of James Island, fireworks are allowed between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.
In Mount Pleasant, where fireworks are usually illegal, they are allowed during the days leading up to and on Independence Day between 11 a.m. and 11:45 p.m.
In Summerville and North Charleston, fireworks are allowed from 9 p.m. on July 4th to 1 a.m. on July 5th.
Additionally, there are also places where fireworks aren’t allowed at all, including the City of Charleston and Folly Beach.
