Stony Brook Burn Center Releases Top 10 Safety Tips To Enjoy A Safe Fourth Of July

STONY BROOK, NY — There's a greater risk of sustaining a burn injury over July 4th weekend, so in preparation, the Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighters Burn Center at Stony Brook University Hospital, the only designated burn care facility in the county, this week released 10 safety tips to prep families before they celebrate.

Dr. Steven Sandoval, associate professor of surgery and medical director of the Burn Center, said he expects an uptick in patients around this time every year.

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"Firework injuries range from facial burns to loss of digits or hands," he said. "Children should not be handling sparklers as they can get as hot as 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. Sparkler burns are a common holiday injury. They can cause second-or third-degree burns. The best way to prevent burns in the first place is with safety tips and precautions to eliminate potential dangers."

“Fireworks are not safe when used incorrectly and can be a recipe for disaster," he added. "Fireworks should be utilized only by professionals. Together, we can avoid serious burn injuries.”

His top 10 tips for a safe July 4th are:

1. Fireworks are safe for viewing only when being used by professionals.
2. Sparklers are one of the most common ways children become burned this holiday, even with a parent’s supervision.
3. Do not have children around any fireworks, firepits, barbecues or hot coals. Teach them not to grab objects or play with items that can be hot. Go through a lesson where they learn to ask permission.
4. Limit the use of flammable liquids to start your fire pits and barbecues. Use only approved lighter fluids that are meant for cooking purposes. No gasoline or kerosene.
5. Don't leave hot coals from fire pits and barbecues laying on the ground for people to step in.
6. When cleaning grills, the use of wire bristle brushes can result in ingestion of sharp bristle pieces, requiring surgery.
7. If you are overly tired, and consumed alcohol, do not use the stovetop, fire pit or a fireplace.
8. Stay protected from the sun. Use hats and sunblock, and realize that sunblock needs to be reapplied after swimming or after sweating.
9. Use the back burners of the stove to prevent children from reaching up and touching hot pots and pans.
10. Always use oven mitts or potholders to remove hot items from the stove or microwave. Assume pots, pans and dishware are hot.

Dr. Sandoval says he wants people to enjoy a safe holiday and reduce the risk of burn injuries.

"Be responsible," he advised. "I don’t want a fun time to turn into tragedy. And, if burned do not go anywhere but a facility specializing in burn treatment."

As the only designated burn care facility for 1.5 million residents of Suffolk, the Burn Center at Stony Brook University Hospital coordinates burn services throughout the county and conducts training and research in burn care.

It also serves as a resource to neighboring community-based hospitals. Patients of all ages – from infants through geriatrics – are treated at the Burn Center.

To reach the Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighters Burn Center at Stony Brook University Hospital, call 631-444-4545.

For immediate help, call the burn unit directly at 631-444-BURN.