Little-boy-July-4th

What would July 4th be without fireworks? It’s a day to celebrate our nation’s independence with displays of flashing lights, exploding high above for all to ooh and aah.

Unfortunately, it’s also the time with the most firework-related injuries recorded. In the month around July 4th, 240 people on average went to the emergency room every day. That was 65% of all firework injuries in 2013.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in total 11,400 people were injured from fireworks and 8 died in the year 2013. That’s up from 8,700 in 2012.

While it might seem that children are the most injured, it’s practically split half-and-half between children and adults:

  •  14% – Up to 4
  • 13% – 5 – 9
  • 13% – 10 – 14
  • 11% – 15 – 19
  • 8% – 20 – 24
  • 33% – 25 – 44
  • 5% – 45 – 64
  • 3% – 65+

Here are the 5 most common areas of firework injury:

  • 36% – Hands & Fingers
  • 22% – Head, Face & Ears
  • 16% – Eyes
  • 7% – Torso
  • 5% – Arms

Injuries from 5 most common firework types:

  • 31% – Sparklers
  • 11% – Firecrackers
  • 6% – Reloadable Shells
  • 6% – Roman Candles
  • 4% – Bottle Rockets

Here are 5 safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Don’t allow children to play or ignite fireworks.
  • Never re-light or pick up an unexploded firework.
  • Keep water – bucket or hose – nearby for emergencies.
  • Make sure fireworks are legal in your area.
  • Light 1 firework at a time – then step back.

If you feel this message may help family members or friends prevent injury this holiday, please share it with them.

Sources

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fireworks-related-injuries-rise-as-july-4th-approaches/

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/safety-education/safety-education-centers/fireworks/

http://www.foh.dhhs.gov/public/nycu/eyeinjury.asp

Related Articles

Safely Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Summer Sun Safety – Infographic

Join the Discussion

0 Comments