Fireworks: Let the experts handle them
6/28/2023
Every year in the
U.S., more than 3,000 children under the age of 15 are sent to the emergency
room (ER) because of fireworks, according to Safe Kids Worldwide. When it comes
to fireworks, here's advice that could spare you or a loved one a devastating injury:
Leave the shows to the professionals.
Typical injuries and
burns from fireworks tend to be to the extremities (hand, finger or leg) as
well as the head and eyes. According to Aspirus Health experts, many of these
injuries are serious enough to require treatment in the ER and some are even deadly.
Those hurt or killed are often children or bystanders.
“Sparklers may seem
like harmless fun, but many parents don’t realize just how dangerous they can
be for young children,” says Sara Steen, Aspirus Trauma Program Manager.
Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees, which is hot enough to
melt some metals, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
“Try swapping sparklers for glowsticks this year.”
The National Fire
Protection Agency (NFPA) cautions that backyard fireworks simply aren't safe.
If you want to “ooh and aah” at fireworks this summer, the NFPA advises taking
in a public display put on by experts.
That said, if you
light fireworks yourself, be sure to take these precautions:
- Never allow young
children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Always have an adult
supervise fireworks activities.
- Keep a bucket of
water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
- Never place any part
of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up
to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Light fireworks one
at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never try to
re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Never point or throw
fireworks at another person.
- Never use fireworks
while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Make sure fireworks
are legal in your area before buying or using them.
Find more fireworks
safety tips at cpsc.gov/fireworks.
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