- While many Americans are eager to resume traditional Fourth of July celebrations this year, it’s important to keep in mind the dangers of fireworks.
- Thousands of children wind up in emergency rooms each year with injuries from watching or using fireworks.
- For children under the age of 5, sparklers account for nearly half of the total estimated fireworks-related injuries.
After a nontraditional Fourth of July last year, many people anticipate celebrating all things red, white, and blue to the max this year.
However, if fireworks are in your plan, experts advise caution, as many people overlook the dangers they can present.
“Sadly, during the July Fourth weekend, hospitals tend to see an increase in pediatric firework-related injuries… We ask that the public exercise caution when playing with fireworks, supervise nearby children, be mindful of safety measures, avoid playing with fireworks under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and if in any doubt, leave the fireworks to the professionals,” Dr. Anjay Khandelwal, Akron Children’s Hospital’s director of the Paul and Carol David Foundation Burn Institute, told Healthline.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), thousands of children wind up in emergency rooms each year with injuries, and more than a third of all fireworks-related injuries occur in children younger than 15 years old.
Hands, eyes, legs, and the face are the most common sites of injury from watching or using fireworks such as firecrackers, bottle rockets, and sparklers.
In 2018 alone, fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires.
The best way to protect your family is to avoid using any fireworks, but if you must, experts offer the following tips to help keep your family safe from injury.
Source: healthline