THE FOURTH OF JULY IS FULL OF FUN, FOOD AND FIREWORKS. BUT THINGS CAN TAKE A TURN FOR THE WORST WHEN THESE MINI EXPLOSIVES AREN'T PROPERLY USED.  Doctor WAYNE JONES IS THE MEDICAL DIRECTOR FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES AT ST. VINCENT HOSPITAL. HE SAYS TAKE PROPER PRECAUTIONS WHEN HANDLING FIREWORKS.

"Never use them in a house, use them away from anything flammable. Have a bucket of water available. If they are unexploded after you light them, don't try to relight them. drop them in a bucket of water, let them soak for overnight and then throw them away," says Dr. Jones. 

Sparklers can burn to temperatures up to 3000 degrees Fahrenheit. FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN SHOULD KEEP A SHARP EYE OUT OF THEIR CHILD, ESPECIALLY WHEN HANDLING SPARKLERS

"Sparklers aren't as safe as they appear. I would watch especially young children and I would not let them use either," says Dr. Jones. 


Dr. JONES SAYS THE FACE, EYES AND HANDS ARE THE MOST COMMONLY INJURED PART ON THE BODY.

"Make sure to protect them. Wear goggles, wear gloves, and make sure you have enough area to get away from the firework if it doesn't explode in the right direction," says Dr. Jones. 

Dr. Jones also recommends never lighting fireworks inside and having a lot of space outside where you're lighting them so you're able to give yourself room between the fireworks.