It’s easy to tell what time of year it is just by sitting in your living room at night.

Explosions ring out, along with screeches and the sound of objects thrusting through the sky.

The Fourth of July is a time for fireworks and celebration. Unfortunately it’s also a time for fireworks-related accidents.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were an estimated 9,100 fireworks injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms in 2018. That’s on top of five fireworks death, the CPSC says. 

Shelbyville teen and basketball star Keon Johnson, now 17, was one of those statistics four years ago. He nearly lost his left hand after an artillery firework exploded while he was lighting it.

Luckily for Keon, he received treatment at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and he recovered from his injuries, which required emergency surgery to avoid amputation. A rising senior at Webb School in Bell Buckle, Keon is one of the top college basketball recruits in the country.

His mother, Conswella Johnson, said the outcome could have been very different and she is now quick to educate those using fireworks improperly.

“I will say something if I see them being used inappropriately,” Conswella said. “I try to correct them and tell them about Keon’s accident. It’s all about safety. It’s just so easy for someone to get hurt.”

Sparklers, which are responsible for most injuries to children 5 and younger, burn at approximately 2,000 degrees — hot enough to cause third-degree burns and melt glass, aluminum and some metals. 

There were an estimated 500 emergency room visits related to sparklers in 2018, the CPSC says.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center physicians who treat burns, eye injuries and hearing loss due to improper fireworks usage, urge caution this Fourth of July.

“The burns and injuries that result from improper use of fireworks are often devastating and life altering,” said Dr. Corey Slovis, professor and chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine.

SAFETY TIPS

• Never allow children to play with or light fireworks — not even sparklers.

• Adults should supervise children at all times

• Wear safety goggles when lighting fireworks and never wear loose clothing.

• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.

• Keep a working garden hose, bucket of water and fire extinguisher nearby

• Light fireworks on a flat surface away from the house, and keep away from dry leaves and other flammable materials.

• Light only one firework at a time.

• Never throw or point fireworks at other people or animals.

• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

• Never relight a dud firework. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.