Fireworks Safety

Fireworks can lead to severe injuries including burns, scars, and defects. As a result, many states have banned their use except by professionals. However, some fireworks such as sparklers are still permitted in many states like Georgia.
What type of fireworks cause injuries?
One study in 2005 showed that firecrackers (26%), sparklers (17%) and rockets (17%) caused most of the injuries from fireworks. Sparklers were the cause of more than 50% of the injuries in kids under the age of 5. They can reach temperatures above 1000 degrees Fahrenheit and burn users and bystanders. Firework injuries usually affect the hands, face, head, and ear. They most often (45%) occur in kids less than age 14 during the month around Independence Day (July 4th).
Are there any safe fireworks?
There really are no “SAFE” fireworks so families are encouraged to enjoy community fireworks displays run by professionals instead of using them at home. Of note, the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends prohibiting public sale of all fireworks, including those by mail or Internet.
How can I use fireworks as safely as possible if I choose to try them at home?
• KEEP A FIRE EXTINGUISHER CLOSE BY
• Only use fireworks that are legal in your state (In Georgia: firecrackers, bottle rockets, sky rockets, and roman candles are ILLEGAL)
• Fireworks should only be lit by responsible adults
• Once lit, get to a safe distance from the fireworks as soon as possible
• Never use fireworks if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Select an area that is wide open, flat, and away from housing and combustible materials such as gasoline, propane tanks, dry leaves, and chemicals.
• Be sure that all spectators (especially children) are a safe distance away from the fireworks.
• Use long matches or fire starters to light fuses
• NEVER hold lit fireworks in your hand
• If using roman candles, bottle rockets, or sky rockets be sure to ground them in a stable heavy base (such as a heavy can or 2 liter soda bottle filled with gravel, sand, or dirt) and point them AWAY from spectators
• NEVER relight a fuse that has gone out, you may not have enough time to get to a safe distance
• If a firework fails to go off (i.e. is a “dud”), douse it with water before approaching it, some fireworks may malfunction and ignite long after the fuse has burned out
• If you or anyone else is injured by a firework seek immediate medical attention (Call 911)
Resources: www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationlSafety/fireworks/fire_spot.html

www.aap.org/healthtopics/safety.cfm

by Salathiel Kendrick, MD, FAAP