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MILWAUKEE (7/1/2008) - With the fun and festivities of the Fourth of July just around the corner, it is important to be aware of the dangers of fireworks. Children should never play with fireworks. Every year more than 4,000 children under the age of 14, especially between 5 and 9 years old, are seen in emergency rooms across the country for firework injuries. Burns, usually to hands, eyes, head or face, account for most of these injuries. One out of every three eye injuries from fireworks results in permanent blindness.
"Even sparklers and flares, that are marketed towards children and would seem to be considered safe, can cause serious burns and blast injuries that can permanently injure a child's vision or hearing," said Suzanne Brixey, MD, a pediatrician at the Downtown Health Center in Milwaukee. Sparklers produce the greatest number of injuries with firecrackers rating second. Sparklers can reach 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to melt gold. These sparklers account for half of the injuries to children under
the age of five.
Never allow your child to play with or ignite fireworks and remind them to stay away from anyone else using fireworks. Parents also should teach children to "stop-drop-and roll" if their clothes catch on fire. Teaching children how to call 911 in an emergency also is important. If you are around fireworks, make sure you know first aid for burns, have a phone handy and have access to a fire extinguisher.
Enjoy celebrating the Fourth of July with your family, but leave the fireworks to the professionals. Families should attend one of the many public firework displays around the city. These public displays are always bigger and brighter, and can provide a great opportunity to gather family, friends and neighbors together to celebrate the holiday.
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