A Hand Therapist’s Guide to Firework Safety

A Hand Therapist’s Guide to Firework Safety

by Dr. Kendall Dougherty, OTD, OTR/L, CHT

Ah, the 4th of July — hot dogs sizzling, lawn chairs set up just right, sparklers crackling, and the grand finale of fireworks lighting up the night sky. As a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), I’m all for celebrating our independence... but I’ve also seen firsthand what can happen when things literally blow up in your hand.

Let’s make this Independence Day one to remember for all the right reasons. Here are some firework safety tips from your friendly neighborhood hand therapist — because we want your hands to stay strong, safe, and ready for more summer fun!

1. Sparklers Aren’t as Innocent as They Look

You hand your kid a sparkler thinking it’s just a glitter stick, right? But did you know sparklers burn at up to 3,000°F — hot enough to melt glass? That’s not exactly child’s play.

CHT Tip: Always supervise children with sparklers. Have a bucket of water nearby for used sparklers, and never let kids run around with them. Burns to the fingers, palms, or wrists are no joke and can lead to long-term issues with motion and sensation.

2. DIY Fireworks? Hard Pass.

Homemade fireworks = homemade disasters. We've seen more than a few 4th of July celebrations turn into ER visits due to firework malfunctions and mishandling.

CHT Tip: Leave the explosives to the professionals. Even a minor hand injury can damage tendons, nerves, or bones — and trust me, splinting a shattered thumb is even less fun than it sounds.

3. Respect the Blast Radius

Lighting fireworks is not the time for bravery or “hold my drink” moments. Standing too close when lighting or leaning over fireworks can result in burns, lacerations, and traumatic hand injuries.

CHT Tip: Use a long lighter or a punk (a smoldering stick used to light fireworks) and never attempt to re-light a dud. Wait 15–20 minutes and then soak it in water.

4. Safety Gear = Smart Hands

If you’re determined to light consumer fireworks (legal ones, please), don’t go in bare-handed.

CHT Tip: Wear leather or flame-resistant gloves for added protection. You wouldn’t flip burgers with bare hands over an open flame — why risk it with something that explodes?

5. Keep Your Exit Strategy Clear

In the excitement of lighting fireworks, people forget to think about where they’re going to run afterward. Don’t let your route be blocked by lawn chairs, kids, or Uncle Jerry.

CHT Tip: Always light and launch in a clear, open area. If something goes wrong, you want to be able to move fast — and safely — without risking a trip-and-fall injury.

If Something Does Go Wrong…

Accidents happen. If you or someone else suffers a burn, laceration, or crush injury to the hand:

• Apply clean gauze to stop bleeding

• Rinse with cool water for burns (not ice!)

• Do not remove any embedded objects

• Head to urgent care or the ER

• Follow up with a hand specialist or Certified Hand Therapist for proper healing and rehabilitation

Early treatment is crucial for hand injuries to prevent long-term stiffness, loss of motion, or nerve damage. We’re here to help if you need us! Find a clinic that offers hand therapy here.

Celebrate With All 10 Fingers This Year

Your hands help you grill, hug, light sparklers, wave flags, and raise a toast to freedom — so treat them with care! From our therapy team to your family, we wish you a fun, injury-free 4th of July!