Experts with Ascension St. Vincent give firework safety tips – Fox 59

INDIANAPOLIS- Firework sales are on the rise this year, and Marion County 911 has already seen a 700% increase in fireworks-related calls, still days away from the 4th of July.

With organized shows canceled, sales for home-based fireworks are skyrocketing, as people are ready to celebrate.

We got a little stuff for the kids. Got some tanks, roosters, bottle rockets, some stuff to set off in the backyard, Joshua Garrett said as he and his family walked out of Jays Fireworks on the north side.

He says the usual set off a display every 4th of July.

We try to be good neighbors and keep the fireworks around the 4th of July, so we usually focus on that point and set off a big show in the neighborhood, Garrett said. Which is more important this year with all the events being canceled.

Fireworks stores like Phantom Fireworks say items are flying off the shelves. Marion County 911 is expecting 3,000 calls on the 4th of July alone. With those rising numbers, emergency rooms are preparing too.

With more people doing home-based fireworks displays, its not unreasonable to think there would be more injuries associated with those fireworks, said Dr. Ian Ferries, a trauma surgeon with Ascension St. Vincent.

Dr. Ferries with Ascension St Vincent sees fireworks injuries every year around the 4th of July, having serious and long-lasting effects.

Youre literally playing with fire when youre using these fireworks, Dr. Ferries said. Most of the injuries come to the hands and fingers, the arms those generally account for almost half of the injuries that are sustained.

Dr. Ferries says nearly half of those patients are under 20 years old, and a third are under 15. Its important for parents to run the show at home.

Oftentimes its kids who are most likely to injure themselves with fireworks, so have somebody whos experienced and responsible be the one whos lighting the fireworks.

While Garrets kids enjoy the show, he says they make sure someone older runs it.

No kids touching anything, we essentially create a zone where they cant go in when were lighting things off, Garrett said. Theyve got to respect them otherwise they can do some pretty bad harm.

Experts at Ascension St. Vincent and the Consumer Product Safety Commissionrecommend the following safety tips:

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Experts with Ascension St. Vincent give firework safety tips - Fox 59