Fireworks are a staple of Independence Day and you can see tents popping up on every corner in our small towns selling these novelties. These tents are filled from everything from sparklers to big artillery fireworks! With all the fun that comes with fireworks there also comes the possibility for danger. This July 4th, Farm Bureau Health Plans wants to help keep you and your family safe. We’ve compiled some easy-to-follow tips to help prevent injuries caused by the improper use of fireworks.
Fireworks Injury Facts
Independence Day celebrations can turn into tragedy due to accidents caused by the improper handling and usage of fireworks. According to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital, approximately 13,000 fireworks-related injuries were treated in emergency departments in 2017. This high number suggests that much more can be done to prevent these injuries.
Quick Fireworks Facts
- The types of fireworks that cause the most injuries are firecrackers, sparklers and bottle rockets.
- The most frequently injured body parts are the hands, head/neck, and eyes.
- Burns are the most common injury. Cuts, bumps and bruises are the most common injuries to the head.
Firework Safety Tips
- Do not buy fireworks to use at home.
- The best way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display by trained professionals.
- Never allow children to play with fireworks, including sparklers.
- Even though some parents consider sparklers to be “safe fireworks” they can reach temperatures of 1800 degrees and easily ignite clothing. Sparklers are a leading cause of fireworks-related injury.
- Fireworks-related injuries often happen even when a parent or an adult is present. Therefore, supervision alone is not enough to prevent serious injuries.
- One in four fireworks-related injuries to children occurs to bystanders. Even if you do not allow your children to touch fireworks, they can still be seriously injured if they are around others who are using fireworks.
- Teach your children the dangers of fireworks.
Farm Bureau Health Plans strives to keep our members and their families safe all throughout the year. And we hope that you can use these tips to be prepared for the upcoming 4th of July holiday. Click the links bellow for some more helpful information.
Happy Birthday, America!
-Riley Qualls
https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/research/areas-of-research/center-for-injury-research-and-policy/injury-topics/sports-recreation/firework-safety#:~:text=Firework%2DRelated%20Injury%20Facts,common%20injuries%20to%20the%20head.
https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks