Fourth of July is a time for celebration across the country, and fireworks displays are a crowd favorite each year.  Fireworks can be fun to watch, but they can also be very dangerous. Safe Kids Mid-South, led by Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, warns families to take extra precautions around this holiday.

Around this time of year, more than 2,500 children in the United States ages 14 and younger are treated for fireworks-related injuries. 

“Don’t ever let children play with fireworks, period,” says Susan Helms, director of Injury Prevention and Safe Kids Mid-South. “They’re intended for use by adults with permits to carefully use them in open spaces. Children should watch from a safe distance with plenty of adult supervision to make sure they don’t get too close.”

Fireworks, including sparklers and flares, can cause serious burns or blast injuries that can permanently impair vision and hearing. Helms says the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch them at a community event where professionals handle them.

Safe Kids Mid-South recommends these precautions for adults using fireworks:

• Light fireworks only on smooth, flat surfaces, and aim them away from spectators, buildings, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
• Do not try to re-light fireworks that malfunction.
• Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or hold them close to your face.
• Visit www.recalls.gov to make sure the pyrotechnic devices you are using are not subject to any safety recalls.
• Do not modify fireworks or use homemade fireworks.
• Keep a phone handy, and know first aid for burns. Also, keep a fire extinguisher handy, and know how to use it.
• Teach kids how to “stop, drop and roll” if their clothes catch on fire.

Don’t let dangerous sparks stand between your family and a wonderful Fourth of July celebration. Dr. Barry Gilmore, medical director of Emergency Services at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital provides parents with some good safety guidelines for the holiday weekend. Following them can help keep your holiday festivities enjoyable and safe. Read his advice below.

Now that summer is here, thoughts turn to the bright and colorful fireworks displays that take place on the Fourth of July. While many families gather at community parks or organized events to view professional fireworks shows, some families hold their own festivities in neighborhoods and backyards. Every year, more than 3,000 children age 14 and younger are treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries, and children ages 10 to 14 account for most of these incidents.

Sparklers, while often considered the safest type of fireworks, join firecrackers and rockets as those causing the bulk of emergency room treated injuries. Fireworks-related injuries usually involve the hands/fingers, eyes or head. While they are an exciting part of the celebration, no parent or child should underestimate their capability to injure if the proper precautions are not taken.

During your fireworks displays, please remember to practice caution and remember these vital safety guidelines:

·         Only adults should handle fireworks. Tell children that they should leave the area immediately if their friends are using fireworks and keep a bucket of water handy.

·         Discuss safety procedures with children. Teach children to “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 instructions.

·         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.