Magical is the best word to describe fireworks. They float through the dark sky and burst into technicolor, radiating a feeling of warmth and wonder. They are a tradition on holidays like July 4th because it brings people together as they celebrate. However, the dangers that accompany these magical spectacles are harming more children than we realize.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that on average, 240 people go the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday. McLeod Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal would like to remind families to take caution during Fireworks Safety Month (July) as well as year-round with these safety tips.

Leave fireworks to professionals:

• The best way to protect your family is to not use any fireworks at home. Instead, attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals.
• If you plan to use fireworks, make sure they are legal in your area.

Be extra careful with sparklers:

• Little arms are too short to hold sparklers, which can heat up to 1,200 degrees. Let your young children use glow sticks instead. They can be just as fun but they do not burn at a temperature hot enough to melt glass.
• Closely supervise children around fireworks at all times.

Take necessary precautions:

• Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.
• Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
• Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush, leaves and flammable substances.

Be prepared for an accident or injury:

• Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a device does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate it. Put it out with water and dispose of it.
• Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly.
• If a child is injured by fireworks, immediately go to a doctor or hospital. If an eye injury occurs, do not allow your child to touch or rub it, as this may cause even more damage.

About McLeod Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal
McLeod Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal works to prevent unintentional childhood injury, the number one cause of death for children in the United States. McLeod Safe Kids is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing unintentional injury. McLeod Safe Kids, led by McLeod Health, was founded in 1994 and is funded in part by the McLeod Health Foundation. If you would like more information about safety topics, call (843) 777-5021 or visit McLeodSafeKids.org.