Fireworks-related injuries are common on and around July 4th. Safe Kids Mid-South, led by Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center, recommends that families attend community fireworks displays run by professionals rather than using fireworks at home.

In 2006, eleven people died and an estimated 9,200 were treated in emergency departments for firework-related injuries in the United States according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. One out of every three people injured were children under age 15. Firework-related injuries usually involve the hands, fingers, eyes, head, face and ears. More than half the injuries are burns. Contusions, lacerations and foreign bodies in the eye are also common. The scars and disfigurement from firework-related injuries can last a lifetime.

Bottle rockets, for example, can fly into people’s faces and cause eye injuries. Sparklers burn at more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit and can ignite clothing. Firecrackers can injure hands or faces if they explode at close range. Injuries may occur from being too close to fireworks when they explode – a common example is when someone leans over to look more closely at a firework that has been ignited or when a misguided bottle rocket hits a nearby person. Younger children often lack the physical coordination to handle fireworks safely. Children are often excited and curious about fireworks which can increase their chance of being hurt – when they reexamine a firecracker dud that initially fails to ignite. Homemade fireworks can lead to dangerous and unpredictable explosions.

While Safe Kids Mid-South recommends that families attend community fireworks displays if you decide to use fireworks, remember to follow the laws in your area, practice extreme caution and remember these vital safety guidelines:

• Only adults should handle fireworks.
• Adults should be the only source for fireworks. Tell your children that they should leave the area immediately if their friends are using fireworks.
• Discuss safety procedures with your children. Teach them to “stop, drop and roll” if their clothes catch on fire. Make sure they know how to call 9-1-1.
• Read labels and carefully follow directions.
• Keep spectators out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Never aim or throw fireworks at another person.
• Never place your face or any body part over fireworks.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Never try to re-ignite fireworks than malfunction.
• Never use fireworks indoors.
• Keep a bucket of water handy.

Safe Kids Mid-South, led by Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center, is part of a global campaign dedicated solely to the prevention of accidental injuries to children age 14 and under – the number one health risk children face today. Safe Kids Mid-South raises awareness about preventing injury, provides information and skills to make the environment safer, and helps pass laws for children's safety. For more information, visit www.lebonheur.org/safekids