Fireworks Blasts Can Cause Harm
A young mother stood with her 3-year-old son, watching her husband light bottle rockets in the driveway, about 30 feet away. Suddenly one of the bottles tipped over, and the rocket came screaming toward her little boy’s face. At the last minute, the rocket veered slightly, missing the child, but hitting the mother in the knee. She was badly bruised and sore but felt very lucky her little boy hadn’t been hit.
Each year around 5,000 people are treated at emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries over the July 4 holiday.
Most fireworks-related injuries are to the hands and fingers, eyes, head and face. More than half of the injuries are burns. Many parents allow young children to use sparklers, but sparklers burn at about 1,800 degrees. That is as hot as a blow torch. Young children often don’t have the physical coordination to handle fireworks safely.
Experts agree, to prevent fireworks-related injuries, families should not handle fireworks at home. The CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics and many other professional organizations urge parents to take their families to a public fireworks display instead of shooting fireworks at home.
Even public fireworks displays carry some danger, so the National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends following these tips to keep your family safe:
Obey all ushers and respect safety barriers.
Don’t try to get too close to the actual firing site. The best view of the fireworks is from about a quarter of a mile away.
Do not touch any fireworks you may find on the ground. Report them to the local fire or police department immediately.
Don’t bring your own fireworks. Sparklers, fountains and other items are not appropriate to use in a large crowd.
Leave your pets at home. Pets have very sensitive ears and can become uncomfortable and stressed during fireworks displays.
Make this year’s Fourth of July celebration a blast — attend a public fireworks display and leave the lighting to the professionals!
Learn more at www. mcdonaldcountyhealth.com or by calling 417-223-7122. Public health — working every day for healthier families, healthier communities, healthier YOU!