Celebrate the July 4th Safely with Firework Safety!

As we look ahead to the upcoming holiday weekend and July Fourth celebrations, it’s an important time to remember to practice firework safety. While fireworks, sparklers, and bottle rockets may seem harmless, they are inherently dangerous and cause thousands of injuries to children and teens every year.  Fireworks were involved in an estimated 10,000 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during 2019 with children 0 to 4 years of age having the highest estimated rate of firework related injuries.

“Many parents believe the myth that these products can be used safely or that smaller fireworks such as bottle rockets and sparklers are fun and safe. However, bottle rockets cause almost 60% of firework-related eye injuries and are the most common cause of fireworks-related structure fires,” explains Ohio AAP Injury Prevention Medical Director Dr. Sarah Denny. “Sparklers burn at more than 10,000°F, which can result in an instant skin burn or easily ignite clothing. Over half of sparkler-related injuries were among children younger than 5 years.”

SAFETY TIPS from the AAP and CCHMC 

• Observe all local laws
• Never allow children to play with or light fireworks, even sparklers
• Celebrate the holiday in alternative, creative ways through bubbles, waving flags, glow sticks, noise makers, or confetti
• Older teens who decide to use fireworks should always be supervised by an adult
  • Keep water handy (a garden hose and a bucket) in case of a malfunction or a fire
  • Never experiment or make your own fireworks
  • Never throw or point fireworks at other people, animals, or buildings that can catch on fire
  • Never carry fireworks in your pocket
  • The lighter of the fireworks should always wear eye and ear protection and never have any part of the body over the fireworks
  • Stay away from illegal explosives
  • Use long match sticks to light the fireworks, not lighters or cigarettes
• Community firework shows, run by professionals, are the best and safest way to celebrate the Fourth of July!

The Ohio AAP hopes you have a happy and harm-free Fourth of July and be sure to follow our social media accounts all week long for additional safety tips!

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