Firewords Safety Important as Fourth Approaches

Augusta, Ga. -- During July, the emergency room has plenty of visits from injured kids--broken bones from falls, cuts and abrasions from bike crashes and bruises from playing sports. What we might not expect to see are toddlers with major burns on their faces or kids who have lost hands or eyes, all as a result of fireworks.

Every year, nearly 5,000 children ages 14 and under are treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries, with children ages 10 to 14 accounting for the majority of these incidents. Sixty-five percent of all fireworks-related injuries occur during the month surrounding the Fourth of July.

Males, especially those ages 10 to 14, are at the highest risk of fireworks-related injuries. However, children ages 4 and under are at the highest risk for sparkler-related injuries.

Many parents and caregivers overestimate a child's ability to handle fireworks, creating a dangerous environment for everyone involved. Fireworks-related injuries usually involve the hands and fingers, eyes or head and can sometimes result in amputations, blindings or even death.

"Fireworks can be the best part of a Fourth of July celebration for kids, yet each year hundreds of kids are permanently disfigured or worse, due to burns caused by fireworks that ended up in the wrong hands," said Rene Hopkins, Coordinator of SAFE KIDS of East Central Georgia, sponsored by the Medical College of Georgia Children's Medical Center. "The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch them at a community celebration where professionals handle them."

Safety Guidelines

If you use fireworks, Hopkins urges parents and other caregivers to please remember to observe fireworks laws for your area, practice extreme caution and follow these vital safety guidelines recommended by the SAFE KIDS of East Central Georgia Coalition.

• Never try to reignite fireworks that malfunction.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from houses,
  dry leaves and other flammable materials.
• Only adults should handle fireworks. Tell children that they should
  leave the area immediately if their friends are using fireworks.
• Discuss safety procedures with your children. Teach children to
  "stop, drop and roll" if their clothes catch fire. Make sure they
  know how to call 911. Show them how to put out fires by using
  water or a fire extinguisher.
• Read labels and carefully follow directions. All fireworks are
  required to carry a warning label describing necessary safety
  precautions.
• Never use fireworks indoors.
• Be sure spectators are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Never aim or throw fireworks at another person.
• Never place your face or any other body part over fireworks.

These important guidelines can help keep your holiday festivities enjoyable and safe. Don't let dangerous sparks stand between your family and a wonderful Fourth of July celebration.

MCG Health System is composed of MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Hospitals and Clinics, Children's Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by offering the highest level of primary and specialty health care. For more information, please visit MCGHealth.org.