By Dr. Kathleen Swayne, Pediatric Associates of Williamsburg
As summer celebrations begin, it’s important for everyone in your family to understand how to safely enjoy fireworks displays. Unfortunately, every year, there are children who are injured by fireworks, which can cause severe burns, scarring, and permanent disfigurement.
In 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission found that in the weeks surrounding the Fourth of July, teenagers ages 15 to 19 had the most fireworks-related injuries requiring an emergency department visit. Children ages 5 to 9 had the second-highest rate. That same year, CPSC received reports of eight deaths and approximately 9,700 injuries involving fireworks. Hands and fingers were the most likely body parts to be injured, followed by the head, face, and ears.
These tips can help keep your family safe this summer:
- Attend professional firework displays in your community instead of creating your own. Fireworks are restricted in Virginia.
- Don’t allow children to play with or light fireworks, firecrackers, or sparklers. If mishandled, these can cause third-degree burns. Glow sticks are a great alternative.
- Don't let kids pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. They may still ignite, explode, or cause burns.
- Keep family pets indoors during fireworks. The noise may scare or stress animals. Make sure your children are aware of this and know to be gentle with your pets.
- Young children may benefit from hearing protection, such as earmuffs or kid-sized earplugs. Babies have smaller ear canals than adults, which means they are more sensitive to loud noises. Stay at least 500 feet from fireworks launch sites.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose on hand in case of fire.
- If your child is injured, seek immediate medical attention. Apply cool water to a burn; do not use ice. If an eye injury occurs, do not allow your child to touch or rub the eye, as this may worsen the injury.
