Light Up Your July, Not Your Skin: A Dermatologist's Guide to Firework Safety in Central NJ
By Parth Patel, MD Fellowship-Trained and Board-Certified Mohs Surgeon
PS Dermatology and Surgery
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
The Fourth of July is nearly here, and across our vibrant Central New Jersey communities – from Bridgewater, Warren, and Watchung, to Hillsborough, Piscataway, New Brunswick, South Plainfield, Middlesex, Dunellen, and Green Brook – excitement is building for the spectacular fireworks displays. As your local dermatologists, we share in this anticipation, but also carry a crucial message: fireworks are not toys, and they pose significant risks, especially to your skin.
New Jersey law, for very important safety reasons, strictly regulates fireworks. While certain ground-based sparklers and novelty items are permitted for those 16 and older, aerial fireworks, firecrackers, and anything that leaves the ground or explodes with a loud bang remain illegal for personal use. This isn’t about dampening your holiday spirit; it’s about preventing severe, life-altering injuries and keeping our emergency services available for true emergencies.
The Dangers Beyond the Dazzle: How Fireworks Attack Your Skin
It’s easy to be mesmerized by the brilliant colors and sounds of fireworks, but behind the spectacle lie serious hazards. Consider that a simple sparkler can burn at over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit – that’s hot enough to melt some metals! This extreme heat, coupled with explosive force and various chemicals, can lead to:
- Devastating Burns: These are the most common firework injuries. Burns can range from superficial (first-degree, like a bad sunburn) to incredibly painful and deep (third-degree), destroying all layers of skin, muscle, and even bone. These often require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts, and can lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and loss of function, particularly on the hands, face, and eyes.
- Chemical Burns: Fireworks contain a cocktail of corrosive chemicals that can cause severe chemical burns upon direct contact, leading to blistering, tissue necrosis, and intense pain.
- Blast Injuries and Lacerations: The explosive nature can propel fragments and debris at high speeds, resulting in deep cuts, puncture wounds, and even traumatic amputations, especially of fingers and hands.
- Contact Dermatitis: Less common, but possible, is an allergic reaction to the chemicals, causing an itchy, red rash.
Children are especially vulnerable to these injuries due to their thinner skin and natural curiosity. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that approximately 73% of all firework injuries occur in the 30-day period around the Fourth of July, with burns being the most common injury type.
Celebrate Safely: Where to Enjoy the Show in Central NJ
- Bridgewater: The Annual July 4th Fireworks Display at North Branch Park (355 Milltown Road) is a cornerstone event. Gates typically open in the late afternoon (around 6:00 PM for 2024) for picnicking and pre-fireworks entertainment, with the dazzling display starting around 9:30 PM. Expect crowds and plan to arrive early! The Somerset Patriots also often feature post-game fireworks at TD Bank Ballpark (1 Patriots Park, Bridgewater) throughout the summer, so check their schedule!
- Hillsborough: Keep an eye on local announcements for their annual July 4th Family Fun Day and Fireworks (often at Auten Road Intermediate School, 290 Auten Rd).
- New Brunswick: Boyd Park (Rt 18 N) is a common location for fireworks displays over the Raritan River.
- Milltown: Known for its lively 4th of July celebration that includes a parade, various family-friendly activities, and a spectacular fireworks display.
- Other Nearby Communities: Many neighboring towns, including those around Warren, Watchung, Green Brook, South Plainfield, Middlesex, and Dunellen, will likely host or have viewing spots for professional displays. Check your local municipal websites or community calendars for confirmed events.
These organized events offer a vibrant, community-focused way to celebrate safely.
Essential Safety Tips for Legal Fireworks
If you choose to use New Jersey-legal sparkling devices, strict adherence to safety is paramount:
- NO KIDS AND SPARKLERS: This cannot be stressed enough. Sparklers burn incredibly hot and are a leading cause of burns in young children. Opt for glow sticks, bubbles, or festive streamers for kids.
- Adult Supervision is Key: Any use of legal fireworks by older children or adults must be under constant, sober adult supervision.
- Read and Follow Instructions: Each product comes with specific instructions. Read them carefully and follow them precisely.
- Clear the Blast Zone: Only light fireworks outdoors in a wide-open area, far away from people, homes, dry grass, brush, and other flammable materials.
- Water is Your Best Friend: Always have a bucket of water or a garden hose ready to douse spent fireworks and in case of any mishap.
- Light One at a Time: Light only one device at a time, and immediately move a safe distance away.
- Never Re-light “Duds”: If a firework fails to ignite, do NOT try to re-light it or pick it up. Douse it thoroughly with water.
- Soak Before Discarding: All spent fireworks, even “duds,” should be fully soaked in water before being placed in a trash can to prevent reignition.
- Protect Your Eyes: While we’re talking skin, remember your eyes! Anyone lighting or observing fireworks should wear protective eyewear.
- Stay Sober: Never handle fireworks under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Local Parks for Safe Daytime Fun:
Before the evening light show, enjoy the many beautiful parks in our area. These are wonderful places for safe, outdoor fun without the risks of fireworks:
- Bridgewater: Duke Island Park (Old York Rd, Bridgewater) and North Branch Park (355 Milltown Rd, Bridgewater) offer expansive green spaces, walking paths, and picnic areas.
- Warren: East County Park (40 Reinman Rd, Warren) features trails and sports fields. Also check out Washington Valley Park (Newmans Ln, Martinsville/Bridgewater) for hiking.
- Watchung: Watchung Reservation (452 New Providence Rd, Mountainside – bordering Watchung) is a vast natural oasis with trails, a lake, and nature center.
- Hillsborough: Docherty Park (154 US-206, Hillsborough) has fields and a picnic shelter, perfect for family outings.
- Piscataway: Johnson Park (River Rd, Piscataway) along the Raritan River, offers diverse recreational opportunities, including animal habitats and historical village.
- New Brunswick: Buccleuch Park and Boyd Park (along the Raritan River) provide green spaces for relaxing and enjoying the riverfront.
- South Plainfield: Spring Lake Park (Plainfield Ave, South Plainfield) is a great spot with a lake and trails.
- Middlesex: Explore local spots like Mountain View Park.
- Dunellen: Columbia Park (Orange Street) offers a walking path, fields, and a playground.
- Green Brook: Arthur L. Lewis Park (59 Greenbrook Rd, Green Brook) is a popular choice with playgrounds and a spray park.
In Case of a Burn: Immediate First Aid
Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. Knowing basic burn first aid is crucial:
- Cool the Burn Immediately: The most critical first step. Place the burned skin under cool (not ice-cold) running water for at least 15-20 minutes. This helps stop the burning process, reduces pain and swelling, and can minimize scarring. Do NOT use ice, butter, or ointments.
- Remove Constrictive Items: Gently remove any jewelry or clothing from the injured area, unless it’s stuck to the skin.
- Cover Loosely: After cooling, loosely cover the burn with a clean, dry, non-stick sterile bandage or clean plastic wrap. This helps prevent infection.
- Do NOT Pop Blisters: Blisters protect the underlying skin and prevent infection. Leave them intact.
- Seek Medical Attention Promptly:
- Always seek immediate medical attention for any significant burns
- Burns on the face, eyes, ears, hands, feet, or genitals are medical emergencies and require immediate professional care.
- Any third-degree burn (where the skin may appear white, charred, or leathery, and there may be little to no pain due to nerve damage) is a medical emergency. Call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room.
- If you suspect a chemical burn, or if there’s any uncertainty about the severity of the injury, go to the nearest emergency room without delay.
This Fourth of July, let’s make our celebrations in Bridgewater, Warren, Watchung, Hillsborough, Piscataway, New Brunswick, South Plainfield, Middlesex, Dunellen, Green Brook, and all our cherished Central New Jersey communities memorable for their joy and community spirit, not for preventable injuries. Choose safety, enjoy the professional displays, and protect your skin and loved ones. Have a wonderful and healthy Independence Day!