Doctors warn families planning at-home fireworks shows on July 4

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Fourth of July holiday officially kicks off Friday.

With many firework shows canceled locally, people are creating their own -- but experts are warning that they’re playing with danger.

Channel 9′s Tony Sadiku was on a call with several local doctors who said they tend to see a spike in patients during the holiday and in many cases, the injuries are preventable.

This year, a lot of public and professional fireworks gatherings have been canceled because of COVID-19, but the doctors said that doesn’t mean people should be messing with fireworks.

Among the top injuries doctors see during the Fourth of July are burns. People often underestimate the dangers with even sparklers -- which can be over 1,500 degrees.

Burns aren’t the only concern though, the doctors also said there’s an increase in alcohol related car accidents as well as heat illnesses.

They also issued a reminder to stay hydrated and wear a mask during gatherings.

With great weather in store this weekend and coronavirus cases on the rise, doctors said they fear even more people could become infected.

“I’m very worried about the gatherings that are taking place over the fourth of July weekend. I think its perhaps not an accident that we’ve seen spikes across the country following Memorial Day,” said Dr. Chris Branner with Atrium Health.

SC fireworks sales skyrocket as pandemic cancels most July 4th shows SC fireworks sales skyrocket as pandemic cancels most July 4th shows

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