The warmest months of the year bring plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, but they also expose families to a wide range of burn hazards. From fireworks, grills and fire pits to scorching pavement and sandy beaches, everyday summer activities can quickly turn dangerous without the proper precautions.
With the Fourth of July right around the corner, Steven Kahn, M.D., chief of burn surgery at MUSC Health, said burn surgeons often see an increase in injuries caused by fireworks displays and firecrackers. Many of those injuries involve alcohol use, which can impair judgment and slow reaction time.
To reduce the risk, Kahn recommends designating a sober adult to light fireworks, never holding a firework while lighting it and wearing gloves and eye protection. Spectators, especially children, should remain a safe distance, depending on the type of firework being used.
“The vast majority of fireworks injuries we treat are entirely preventable,” said Kahn. “When you combine explosives with alcohol, reaction times slow down, judgment is compromised and that is when we see devastating, life-altering blast and thermal injuries.”
The same caution applies to backyard cookouts. Propane grills can flare unexpectedly if gas accumulates after repeated ignition attempts, potentially causing burns to the face, arms and legs. Fire pits also become a common source of injuries during the summer, particularly when alcohol is involved. Taking a few extra moments to follow basic safety precautions can help to keep holiday celebrations from ending with a trip to the burn center.
“It is incredibly easy to get caught up in the excitement of a holiday weekend and lose situational awareness,” said Kahn. “People need to actively think ahead, anticipate the risks and keep a close eye on their surroundings.”
One of the most overlooked summer burn hazards is the ground beneath your feet. In South Carolina, pavement can reach temperatures between 135 degrees and 150 degrees during the hottest months. That is hot enough to cause third-degree burns in a matter of seconds. People with nerve damage, which can be caused by diabetes, and those who are intoxicated may be less likely to notice the heat before serious injury occurs.
Kahn recommends wearing sandals or shoes on hot pavement, sand, boardwalks and driveways to prevent burns, particularly for young children, whose thinner skin burns more quickly. Kahn also recommends using caution around metal playground equipment, which can become dangerously hot after prolonged sun exposure.
Ultimately, Kahn said, many summer burn injuries are preventable with a few simple precautions.
“Exercising moderation with alcohol, protecting your feet from the pavement and maintaining basic common sense can completely change the trajectory of your summer,” he said.
