Summer Safety for Kids: Fireworks

A timely reminder from Nurse Practitioner Stephanie Kimmes

Summer is here and so is the fun! To fully enjoy our time in the sun, let's be mindful of doing so safely. Celebrating the birth of America's independence and fireworks go hand and hand. Fireworks are super exciting for a lot of kids. They want to touch them or light them and hold them themselves. Not a good idea. 

Here's the thing. In 2022, over 10,000 people were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries of which 28% were children 15 years of age and younger. Hands, fingers, head, face, ears, and eyes were areas that were burned or wounded most. Fireworks injuries are totally preventable. 

This year, celebrate more safely and leave the fireworks to the professionals. Watch a professional fireworks show. To protect you and your child's hearing, enjoy the show at a distance of at least 500 feet away from the launch area. Did you know that fireworks and firecrackers can be as loud as 150 decibels? That is twice as high as a safe listening level. Wear ear plugs and younger children should wear over-the-ear protection.

If your area fireworks show is cancelled, consider an alternate activity. But, parents beware. Sparklers burn at 2,000 degrees F and can cause serious injury to fingers, eyes, and other areas of contact on the skin, even resulting in third-degree burns. Let's not go there. Instead of lighting sparklers, wave glow sticks or flags instead. 

Let's celebrate our freedom in a way that is fun and safe this 4th of July!

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