In response, area health care providers are reminding residents of some simple ways to prevent such injuries. Children’s Nebraska and Eye on July, a nonprofit started by Nebraska Medicine’s Dr. Rao Chundury and his family, also are offering free protective eye glasses.

According to a report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 9,700 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks injuries in 2023. An estimated 19% of those injuries involved eyes, and the majority of all fireworks injuries are to bystanders.

“Severe injuries related to fireworks are becoming more common every year and can easily be prevented,” Dr. Paul Rychwalski, chief of ophthalmology at Children’s Nebraska, said in a statement. “You can protect your eyes and those of your loved ones with polycarbonate glasses.”

Teenagers ages 15 to 19 years old had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries, with children ages 5 to 9 years old having the second highest rate.

Eric Jensen, a registered nurse with St. Elizabeth Regional Burn & Wound Center in Lincoln, said keeping kids safe if they’re using fireworks starts with going over safety expectations ahead of time and adults setting the proper example for safe handling.

“The big thing is taking that time to have that conversation with our kids and remember they’re watching,” he said. Last year, the burn center saw 30 people injured by fireworks in its inpatient and outpatient clinics.

Fireworks safety tips

Jensen and others offered tips to prevent injuries: 

Don’t allow young children to use fireworks, including sparklers. Older children should be supervised by a responsible adult.

Don’t use fireworks when impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Both those lighting fireworks and others in the vicinity should wear safety glasses, not just to protect from explosions but also from debris.

Don’t hold lit fireworks. When using, stay away from other people and from houses or other structures. Don’t point fireworks at people when igniting them.

If a firework fizzles, don’t attempt to pick it up or relight it. Soak it with water and throw it away.

Keep a bucket of water or hose on hand in case of fire.

Soak spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.