The pandemic might have you reaching for hand sanitizer often, but you shouldn’t if you plan on handling fireworks immediately after. The City of Greensboro Fire Department recently wrote a Facebook post, saying, “Keep in mind, if you are using consumer fireworks this year, DO NOT USE HAND SANITIZER AT THE SAME TIME! Wash your hands only with soap and water. Hand sanitizer is flammable!”
Fire and life safety educator Dee Shelton says you should avoid using hand sanitizer when you’re going to be near any open flame, including near a grill or campfire. Fireworks in general can be dangerous- the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission notes that last year alone, fireworks were involved in roughly 10,000 injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms across the country, with an estimated 58 percent of those being burns.
