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
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