Fireworks Safety for Kids

Nurture Kids Pediatrics

Fireworks Safety for Kids

Each year the use of fireworks results in injuries that require a visit to the emergency room. The U.S Product Safety Commission reported that the most common injuries were burns and lacerations to the face, head and hands.

It is also estimated that 40% of these life-threatening injuries involved children ages 15 and younger. All fireworks can cause injury even smaller legal fireworks such as sparklers and bottle rockets.

If you plan to use fireworks during your annual Fourth of July celebration follow these important safety tips:

  • Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees
  • Never position your body directly over fireworks when lighting a fuse
  • Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that haven’t ignited fully
  • Keep a bucket of water or hose close nearby in case of emergency
  • Put used fireworks in a bucket of water before disposing of them in the trash to prevent fire
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person

Avoid the danger of these burns during the fourth of July :

First Degree Burn:
A first degree burn involves the first layer of skin. An example is a sunburn.

Symptoms:

Red and painful to touch
Mild Swelling

Treatment:

Immerse in fresh, cool water
Apply a non-adhesive bandage or clean cloth to the area
Don’t apply ointments or butter to the burn to prevent infection

Second Degree Burn:
Second degree burns involve the first two layers of skin.

Symptoms:

Deep reddening of the skin
Pain
Blisters
Possible loss of some skin

Treatment:

Don’t break blisters
Elevate arms and legs
Prevent shock by laying the victim flat with elevated legs and place coat and blanket over the injured person
Seek medical treatment immediately

Third Degree Burns:
A third degree burn penetrates the skin and destroys tissue.

Symptoms:

Loss of skin layers
Skin may appear charred with patches that are white, brown and black
Skin is dry and leathery
Often painless, pain may come from first and second degree burns

Treatment:

Have person sit up if the face is burned
Elevate the burned area higher than the victim’s head if possible
Watch for signs of shock
Seek medical treatment immediately

For more information on firework safety and burn treatment visit:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission