AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - With New Year's celebrations in full swing, experts are urging people to take extra precautions when handling fireworks.
The JMS Burn Center at Doctors Hospital expects an uptick in fireworks-related injuries.
Dr. Shawn Fagan says to treat all types of fireworks with the same amount of caution.
"There are the mortars that I think everybody's a little concerned about, but you know equally as damaging, especially to our young children, are sparklers," he said. "And one just has to understand that those sparklers - the temperature at the site of the sparkling is substantially high enough to cause a major injury."
He says for minor burns, immediately treat them with cool - not cold - water to help reduce pain and swelling.
And he says to cover the burn with a clean, non-stick bandage to prevent infections.
STAYING SAFE AND LEGAL
North Augusta Public Safety says safe disposal of fireworks is just as important as handling them.
"Always have a water source close by and when you get done shooting, just soak all the cardboard launchers down in water just so they don't reignite or anything like that happens," said Patrol Cpl. Dillon Givens.
And leave used fireworks in an open space, not in a car or garage.
If you suffer a severe burn, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
According to multiple studies, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are ranked the most dangerous holidays.