Fourth of July is a time for celebration across the country, and fireworks displays are a crowd favorite each year. Fireworks can be fun to watch, but they can also be very dangerous. Safe Kids Mid-South, led by Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, warns families to take extra precautions around this holiday.
Around this time of year, more than 2,500 children in the United States ages 14 and younger are treated for fireworks-related injuries.
“Don’t ever let children play with fireworks, period,” says Susan Helms, director of Injury Prevention and Safe Kids Mid-South. “They’re intended for use by adults with permits to carefully use them in open spaces. Children should watch from a safe distance with plenty of adult supervision to make sure they don’t get too close.”
Fireworks, including sparklers and flares, can cause serious burns or blast injuries that can permanently impair vision and hearing. Helms says the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch them at a community event where professionals handle them.
Safe Kids Mid-South recommends these precautions for adults using fireworks:
- Light fireworks only on smooth, flat surfaces, and aim them away from spectators, buildings, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
- Do not try to re-light fireworks that malfunction.
- Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or hold them close to your face.
- Visit www.recalls.gov to make sure the pyrotechnic devices you are using are not subject to any safety recalls.
- Do not modify fireworks or use homemade fireworks.
- Keep a phone handy, and know first aid for burns. Also, keep a fire extinguisher handy, and know how to use it.
- Teach kids how to “stop, drop and roll” if their clothes catch on fire.
