The Two Biggest Myths About Fireworks and Your Child’s Safety

Everyone loves fireworks on the Fourth of July.  But thanks to COVID-19 and the need to social distance, many municipalities have cancelled their annual shows.  You may be tempted to create your own backyard display or let your kids play with sparklers or firecrackers to celebrate the 4th.   

But, before you light that fuse, read these truths about these two biggest myths about fireworks and your child’s safety

Myth #1:  Sparklers are a safe alternative to fireworks.

Sparklers burn at 1800 degree or hotter.  They are hot enough to melt some metals so imagine what they can do to your child’s clothing or bare feet.   According to the National Fire Prevention Association, sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits from fireworks injuries. For children under age five, sparklers account for nearly half of the total estimated injuries.

Safe alternatives to sparklers are glow sticks—which last longer than sparklers—confetti poppers or colored streamers.

Myth #2: If I supervise my kids, they can play with sparklers and fireworks.

Children can be injured by sparklers and fireworks whether you are watching them or not.

Kids under the age of 15 accounted for 36 percent of the 5,600 estimated firework-related injuries in July 2018 according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.  One in four of those children were injured as bystanders. Even if you are present and your kids aren’t allowed to touch the fireworks or sparklers, they can still be seriously injured if they are around others who are using them.

Instead, practice social distancing and hold an outdoor movie night or USA birthday party to celebrate the 4th.

When the fun is done.

If you do include sparklers or fireworks in your family’s celebration, place them in a bucket of water or douse them with a hose when you’re done to prevent fires and injuries.

Also, when you clean up, don’t forget to recycle your aluminum beverage cans. Take them to a drop-off site at one of these fire stations in Northeast Ohio to support Aluminum Cans for Burned Children and its fire prevention education and childhood burn survivors programs.