Preventing Fireworks-Related Injuries

May 13, 2008

SEARCH drSpock

my account | sign in

HOT TOPICS

		Pregnancy Symptoms
		Read with Your Kids -- It's Fun!
		Take Our Quizzes
		Play with Your Baby

TOPICS


	Parents are talking about their children. Join the discussion.

Preventing Fireworks-Related Injuries

by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.
reviewed by Kathryn Clark, M.D., F.A.A.P.

While fireworks are almost always used to celebrate holidays or special occasions, they also have the unfortunate ability to hurt the celebrants involved. According to estimates from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), thousands of people are treated in emergency departments throughout the United States each year for fireworks-related injuries. At least three-quarters of these occur between late June and late July, and most involve the use of legal fireworks.

As a parent, the CPSC statistics are particularly relevant, given that a disproportionate number of injuries involve children. In 1999 approximately 45 percent of the 8,500 people treated for fireworks injuries were children under 15.

Types of injuries
If you stop for a moment to think about what is actually involved in setting off fireworks, this potential for injury should not surprise you. In addition to the most obvious and common type of injury--burns--the use of fireworks can also result in cuts and scrapes.

According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, most injuries involve the hands and fingers, with eye injuries ranking second. In some cases, these injuries are only minor, but others may necessitate hospitalization, call for amputation of fingers or hands, or result in permanent blindness.

Safety tips
Far and away, the best way to enjoy fireworks is to leave them to professionals. If you decide, however, to buy and use fireworks yourself, pay close attention to the following safety tips:

Don't underestimate sparklers. These seemingly harmless novelty items can cause serious burns--reaching temperatures well above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (hot enough to melt gold)--and are reportedly the second highest cause of emergency room visits for fireworks-related injuries.

Never purchase illegal or unlabeled fireworks, and be sure to read all labels, heed all warnings, and follow all instructions.

Don't assume that all children delight in fireworks. Fireworks can be quite frightening, especially for young children, whether at home or at a larger public display.

Always place fireworks on the ground before igniting, and make sure that they are not pointed toward your face or body (e.g., don't bend over them) and that you can move away from them quickly after you have lighted them.

Never try to make your own, homemade fireworks. Mixing explosive substances can be deadly and is considered a felony (assuming that you survive the experience, are caught, and charged).

Be sure that fireworks are never aimed toward other people.

Never set off fireworks inside.

Never ignite fireworks in glass or metal containers. Flying glass and metal can cause serious injury.

Dress in clothing that fits close to the body and tie back long hair.

Never carry fireworks in your pockets.

Teach children what to do if their clothing or hair catches on fire: to stop, drop, and roll. Practice it with them several times.

The CPSC offers these additional safety tips:

Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.

Read and follow all warnings and instructions.

Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.

Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, , dry leaves, and flammable materials.

Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.

Keep a bucket of water or a hose handy in case of a malfunction or fire.


RELATED INFORMATION

			Fireworks Safety Overview
			Safety: Outdoors

Created June 06, 2001
Reviewed June 15, 2001

| |
| | |

THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information drSpock.com provides is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have a specific health concern. Mention or advertisement of any product, service, or brand does not constitute endorsement, guarantee, or recommendation by The Dr. Spock Company. Please read our full Terms of Service.