Keep Your Kids Safe this Fourth of July
June 28, 2012
Provided By:
Blank Children's Hospital
Each year, July 4 rings in a celebration of freedom through summer picnics, parades and fireworks. Unfortunately, Independence Day not only yields fun but injuries as well. Every type of consumer firework that is legally sold has been associated with serious injury or even death. It is crucial for parents to take precautions to make certain children have both a fun and safe holiday.
Due to the risks associated with consumers using fireworks, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have called to prohibit use of private fireworks. Consumer fireworks regulations are determined by each state. Iowa law only allows private use of novelty fireworks. These items include gold sparklers containing no magnesium, chlorate or perchlorate; filter sparklers not more than one-eighth inch in diameter; and snakes containing no mercury.
"Parents need to realize that even sparklers can be extremely dangerous," said Anne Garinger, Iowa SAFE KIDS Coalition Coordinator at Blank Children's Hospital. "They can reach temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees F."
Explosive devices like sparklers account for most fireworks-related injuries. The majority of these injuries occur when adults have been drinking or when children are not being supervised. According to the AAP, children younger than 15 account for almost half of all consumer fireworks-related injuries. The hands (40 percent), eyes (20 percent) and head and face (20 percent) are the most often injured parts. About one-third of the eye injuries result in permanent blindness.
"With all of the dangers associated with consumer fireworks, we really encourage parents to take their children to see professional fireworks displays as an alternative," Garinger said. "But if they insist on lighting fireworks, parents should take extra precautions to make sure their kids are safe."
The Iowa SAFE KIDS Coalition recommends the following tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission to keep children safe this Fourth of July:
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Always read and follow label directions.
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Have an adult present.
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Buy from reliable vendors.
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Use outdoors only.
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Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
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Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
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Light only one firework at a time.
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Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
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Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trashcan.
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Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
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Never give fireworks to small children.
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If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
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Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
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The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
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Stay away from illegal explosives.