Your Partner in EMS

Fireworks Safety

2009-07-03T08:33:40

Fire safety is a broad category. Did you know that in a typical year more U.S. fires are reported on July 4th than on any other day, and that fireworks are the cause for more than half those fires? With our nation’s 233rd birthday right around the corner and fireworks already in full swing let’s take a look at some facts:

30,100 – Estimated number of fires caused by fireworks each year

11 – Fireworks-related deaths occurred in 2007

9,800 – Estimated number of fireworks related injuries treated in U.S. emergency rooms in 2007

49% of the 2007 fireworks injuries were burns, while 29% were contusions and lacerations

Two of five people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15

Children ages 5-14 are 2 ½ times more likely to suffer a fireworks injury than that of the general population

Sparklers, fountains and novelties accounted for 56% of the emergency room fireworks injuries in 2007

How are these injuries happening? Bottle rockets can fly into peoples’ faces and cause eye injuries. The tip of a sparkle burns at a temperature of more than 1200 degrees, hot enough to cause third degree burns and ignite clothing. Firecrackers can injure the hands or face if they explode at close range. It comes down to being too close, lack of coordination, curiosity, and experimentation. It can be all these things combined or just one of them but all it takes is a misguided or faulty firework and you can have problems.

With the exception of your pets, who may be a little freaked out by the sound of fireworks, play it safe and leave the fireworks demonstrations to the professionals. Instead, maybe give your kids some light sticks, light shapes or snaplights. They can be just as fun and they last longer.

Fireworks Safety Poster

Source: usfa.dhs.gov