Firework Safety Tips to Protect Your Hands During Holiday Celebrations
Fireworks are a big part of holiday fun, especially around the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve, and other special celebrations. But with all that excitement comes risk. Every year, thousands of people are treated in emergency rooms for firework-related injuries, and many of those injuries involve the hands and fingers.
As hand specialists in San Antonio, we want to help you enjoy your celebrations safely. Below are important firework safety tips to protect your hands and avoid serious injury.
Why Hand Injuries Are So Common
Your hands are usually the closest part of your body to the firework during lighting. A fast spark or unexpected explosion can cause severe burns, cuts, broken bones, or even lead to the loss of a finger or hand. In fact, hands and fingers are the most commonly injured body part when it comes to fireworks.
Some of the most serious firework hand injuries we see include:
Burns from holding fireworks too long
Blunt trauma from fireworks that exploded too early
Lacerations or amputations from powerful firecrackers or homemade explosives
These injuries often require emergency care, surgery, and sometimes hand reconstruction to restore function and appearance.
Top Firework Safety Tips for Your Hands
To avoid serious injury, follow these simple safety tips:
1. Leave it to the pros
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by attending a public show run by trained professionals. It’s fun, safe, and legal.
2. Never hold fireworks in your hand
Even small fireworks like sparklers can reach temperatures of over 1,000°F. Always light fireworks on the ground, away from your body.
3. Keep a safe distance
After lighting a firework, move away quickly and keep others at a safe distance. Never lean over the fuse.
4. Don’t relight duds
If a firework doesn’t go off, never try to relight it. Wait 20 minutes, then soak it in water before throwing it away.
5. Supervise kids closely
Never let children handle fireworks; even sparklers can cause serious burns. Always supervise fireworks around kids and teens.
6. Use protective gear
Wearing protective eyewear and keeping a bucket of water nearby can reduce the chance of burns and help if something goes wrong.
Protect Your Hands This Holiday
Fireworks can be fun, but your safety should always come first. By following these firework safety tips, you can reduce the risk of injury and keep your holiday celebration safe for everyone.
If an accident does happen, know that expert care is nearby. Our team of hand specialists in San Antonio is here to help with fast, specialized treatment for hand burns, fractures, lacerations, and nerve injuries.
If You Injure Your Hand, Get Help Fast
If you experience a firework-related injury, don’t wait to seek care. Even injuries that seem small at first can lead to long-term problems if not treated properly. Swelling, numbness, deep cuts, or burns may require treatment from a hand specialist.
At the Hand & Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio, our surgeons are trained in advanced hand reconstruction techniques. We help patients regain function, reduce pain, and recover from traumatic hand injuries, especially those caused by accidents like fireworks.
Contact us today to learn how our fellowship-trained team can help you recover from injury and protect the strength, function, and confidence you need in your hands, arms, wrists, and shoulders, so you can get back to doing what you love.