Fireworks Injury Prevention
Posted by CDCeHealth - 07/02/09, 03:07 pm
They can be exciting, festive and fun–but fireworks can also be dangerous. Leaving fireworks displays to trained professionals can prevent injuries.
In 2007, eleven people in the United States died and an estimated 9,800 were treated in emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries. These injuries were most common on and around holiday celebrations, such as the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve.
What You Can DoRemember—the safest way to prevent fireworks-related injuries is to leave fireworks displays to trained professionals.
What You Should KnowAbout 2 out of every 3 fireworks-related injuries in 2007 happened between June 22 and July 22. During this time period, an estimated 6,300 people were treated in U.S. emergency departments for injuries related to fireworks. More than 4 of every 10 people injured by fireworks are children under 15 years of age. Injuries from fireworks most often affect the hands, eyes, head, face, and ears. People taking part in fireworks-related activities are more frequently and severely injured than bystanders. Fireworks can cause blindness, third degree burns, and permanent scarring. They can also cause life-threatening fires.
More InformationWeb-based Resources
Fireworks Safety Fact Sheet Protect the Ones You Love: Burns US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Fireworks Safety Web Site
Podcasts
All Unintentional Injury PodcastsHealth-e-Card
Fireworks Safety
We have teens & younger getting dangerous fireworks confiscated by Cops all the time and shooting flare fireworkworks at each other while holding on to them & causing injuries & fires too very sad! Parents even watch their kids doing dangerous fireworks & senseless games with them!!!!!!!
redsilverfox