Many Parents Ignore Fireworks Safety

June 30, 2022
By Robert Preidt HealthDay Reporter

Many U.S. parents don't take proper precautions to protect their children from fireworks-related burns and injuries, claims a new survey released just ahead of the Fourth of July.

The poll of more than 2,000 parents of children ages 3-18 was conducted this spring and found that more than half said someone in their family or neighborhood set off fireworks in the past two years.

Only 1 in 5 said children stayed at least 100 feet away from where fireworks were being set off, and one-third said their children or teens helped set off fireworks in the past two years.

One in 5 parents said they'd allow their child 10 or younger to help set off fireworks, a third said they'd let youngsters ages 11-15 do so, and more than a quarter said they'd permit older teens to get involved, according to the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health.

"For many families, setting off fireworks is a favorite summer tradition, but fireworks are unpredictable. It's essential that parents keep children far away from where those fireworks are set off," said poll co-director Sarah Clark.

"Our poll suggests that some parents may need to be more diligent to ensure a safe environment that minimizes these risks and protects children from firework injuries," Clark said in a poll news release.

"Parents differ on what age they would allow their child to be part of setting off fireworks," Clark said. "But parents need to ensure children are at the right age and maturity level to understand the dangers involved and importance of carefully following all safety rules. If the child is not ready to do these things, their risk of burns, eye injuries and other accidents is increased."

About 15,600 people were seen at U.S. emergency rooms because of fireworks injuries in 2020, which is 56% more than the 10,000 in 2019, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

While some parents believe sparklers are less dangerous, Clark pointed out they burn at 1,000 degrees and can cause serious burns if not handled properly.

Clark offered the following fireworks safety tips:

Stay at least 100 feet away from where any fireworks are set off.
If setting off your own fireworks, buy legal ones that are clearly labeled for consumer use and follow directions and safety guidelines carefully. Wear goggles or other eye protection and keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of a fire.
Only light one firework at a time and don't try to relight the duds. Wait until fireworks cool before picking them up, possibly even the next day.
Consider your child's age and maturity level before allowing them to use sparklers. Teach children how to hold sparklers below the point where they will burn down and to put the sparkler in a bucket of water after use. Make sure they wear shoes to prevent burns if they step on a used sparkler.
Have first aid ready. For a minor burn, place a towel soaked in cool water over the area for about five minutes. Then cover with a clean bandage and give acetaminophen to reduce pain and swelling.
For a major burn, or if the burn involves eyes, go immediately to the emergency department.

More information

There's more on fireworks safety at the National Safety Council.

SOURCE: University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health, news release, June 20, 2022

Safety &, Public Health: Misc.Safety: Child Safety: Fire Parenting Injuries