Firework Safety for Kids: What You Need To Know

Americans have an obsession for fireworks. Looking up into the sky and watching the night burst with color and design is just magical. But don’t forget fireworks are extremely dangerous. Over 7000 firework injuries were reported last year. Being careful is the key to having a wonderful safe holiday. These are the “must-do” rules on firework safety for kids.

Sparklers for Kids

• Supervise your child at all times when they are using a sparkler.
• Sparklers can reach 2000 °F. That temperature can literally melt glass and some metals.
• Your child’s arms may not be long enough to hold a sparkler. If your child cannot hold the sparkler fully away from their body they should not hold it at all.
• A great alternative is a glow stick. Your child will love the glowing color and small form factor. Plus there’s no risk of a burn.

Leave It To The Professionals

• Children should never handle fireworks. Period.
• If you have never handled a firework you shouldn’t start either. Really, leave it to the pros on this one. It is an explosive device. On average 230 people a day go the emergency room with firework related injuries around the July season. Don’t be one of them.
• Each community usually puts on a fabulous fireworks display. Your community fireworks show is designed by experts and better than anything you can pull off.
• If you insist on your own fireworks make sure it is legal in your area.

Don’t Be Stupid Around Your Kids

• Fireworks are for outside use only. I can’t believe I actually have to say this, but people do this for some reason. And it’s beyond stupid and dangerous.
• Don’t wear loose fitting or flowing sleeves and pants. They can catch fire unbeknownst to you. Choose clothes that are form fitting and have no hanging embellishments.
• Keep fireworks away from flammable products and dry elements such as grass and brush.
• If a firework does not go off do not reuse it. Douse it with water and dispose it properly.
• Don’t let your child pick up pieces of fireworks after it goes off. Some can still ignite at any time.
• Everything should be fully extinguished with water before disposal.
• Light one at time.
• Do no put fireworks in any sort of container. The explosion may send shards of glass or metal toward you and your child.
• Have a bucket of water and hose at the ready.

Medical Treatment for Your Child

• If your child is injured go straight to the ER.
• Do not try to treat burns with any ointments. Run cool water over it. Do not use cold water or ice. Then call your doctor immediately.
• If your child gets an eye injury make sure they do not rub their eye and do not put any ointment on it.
• Tape a small paper cup over the eye if necessary. Your child’s eye sight may depend on it. Then get to a doctor immediately.

Firework safety for kids is really a no-brainer. Head to your town’s fireworks show and let the professionals do it. It’s not worth putting little ones in harms way.Keep your kids safe and keep yourself safe. Enjoy the holiday!