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MILWAUKEE (6/29/2007) - The Fourth of July holiday is fast approaching and that means parades, cookouts, fun in the sun and for many people, fireworks. People across the country will enjoy beautiful public firework displays, but it is important to remember that fireworks and sparklers can cause serious injury. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, more than 4,000 children younger than 14 are treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries in the United States each year. The majority of the instances occur within the few weeks surrounding the Fourth of July holiday.
The consequences of lighting fireworks at home can be severe. Fireworks-related injuries typically involve the hands, eyes, fingers or head and can result in amputation, blinding, burns or even death. Even fireworks like sparklers can be harmful as they can heat up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the National Council on Fireworks Safety, more than 50 percent of sparkler injuries occur in children younger than 14. Children always should be supervised when using sparklers.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety offer the following safety tips surrounding the safe use of fireworks:
-Read and follow fireworks label directions.
-Have an adult present during use.
-Buy from reliable sellers.
-Use fireworks outdoors only.
-Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
-Do not experiment or make your own fireworks.
-Light only one firework at a time.
-Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes then soak it in a bucket of water).
-Never give fireworks to small children.
-Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
-Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in a trash can.
-Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
-Never carry fireworks in a pocket.
-Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
-Wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over a firework when lighting it.
-Stay away from illegal explosives.
Wisconsin law strictly prohibits the use of the following fireworks:
-Fire crackers.
-Wheels.
-Torpedos.
-Sky rockets.
-Roman candles.
-Aerial salutes.
-Bombs.
In addition to state law, know your city's ordinances around fireworks and sparklers.
"Fireworks are meant to be used by adults in large, open spaces with active supervision for each child present," Bridget Clementi, injury prevention manager.
"The best way to enjoy the fireworks is attend a community event and leave it to the professionals," Clementi continued.
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