When summer rolls around, families and children’s thoughts turn to the bright and colorful fireworks displays that take place on the Fourth of July. While some families gather at community parks or organized events to view professional fireworks shows, many families choose to hold their own festivities in their neighborhoods or backyards.
Unfortunately, many of these celebrations, intended to be exciting and fun, can quickly turn into a nightmare. Every year, approximately 4,850 children ages 14 and under are treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries, and children 10 to 14 account for most of these incidents.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission preliminarily estimates that in 2003, about 9,700 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks.
- Over half the injuries were burns and most of the injuries involved the hands, eyes and head.
- About half of the victims were under 15 years of age.
- Males were treated 3 times more than females.
- Firecrackers and bottle rockets were the largest single fireworks types associated with injuries to 5-14 year olds.
- Sparklers accounted for more than half the injuries for children under 5.
- In 2003, there was 1 firework-related death to a child under 4 years old.
- More than 4,700 children, ages 14 and under, were treated in hospital emergency rooms in 2001 for injuries caused by firework activities.
Estimated fireworks related injuries form June 20 to July 20, 2003:
700 occurred among 0-4 year olds
1,300 occurred among 5-9 year olds
1,100 occurred among 10-14 year olds
Connecticut SAFE KIDS recommends that families only enjoy the dazzle of fireworks at a community-sanctioned, licensed event. Many communities hold fireworks displays sponsored by the local fire department or other safety agencies.
"Children are often attracted to the bright colors of fireworks but don't understand their dangers, which can lead to tragic and painful consequences," said Karen Brock, MPH, director of Connecticut SAFE KIDS. "It is important to educate children on the dangers of fireworks and emphasize that only adults should handle them."
If any sort of fireworks, including sparklers, are used at a Fourth of July event, Connecticut SAFE KIDS recommends following these guidelines to ensure a safe holiday celebration:
- Only adults should handle fireworks. Tell children that they should leave the area immediately if their friends are using fireworks.
- Discuss safety procedures with your children. Teach children "stop, drop and roll" if their clothes catch fire. Make sure they know how to call 9-1-1. Show them how to put out fireworks by using water or a fire extinguisher.
- Read labels and carefully follow directions. All fireworks must carry a warning label describing necessary safety precautions.
- Never use fireworks indoors.
- Be sure spectators are out of range before lighting fireworks.
- Never aim or throw fireworks at another person.
- Never place your face or any other body part over fireworks.
- Never try to re-ignite fireworks that malfunction.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves and flammable materials.
