With the 4^th of July right around the corner, sometimes reminders are needed while we balance fun with safety.

“Shiny sparkly” things get children very (very) excited. However, statistics show the dangers of fireworks. (Which is why many are banned in a lot of states.)

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

Fireworks are synonymous with our celebration of Independence Day. However, the excitement of fireworks can also bring pain, and in the worst case scenario, worse. The CPSC staff had conducted a study of firework injuries from June 17 to July 17. This is what they discovered:

• Roughly 200 people go to an emergency room every day due to firework related injuries in the month around the the 4th of July
• Roughly 50 (fifty) percent hands and fingers
• Roughly 20 (twenty) percent eyes
• The remainder of the injures were burns to the body, adults and children.

Fireworks That Cause the Most Danger:

•  Sparklers
•  Firecrackers
•  Roman Candles
•  Bottle Rockets

Age has a factor in this too. Here are the facts:

Injuries by Age:

• The vast majority of injuries are by parents (age 22-44) who are trying to entertain their children.
• Ten (!) percent are by children who are injured is because they were allowed to light the fireworks themselves without proper supervision.

Recommended Fireworks Safety Tips:

• Please never allow children to light fireworks themselves.
• If one does not ignite, dispose of it and do not attempt to relight it.
• Keep water close by in case of an emergency.
• Do not break laws by igniting fireworks unavailable in your state.
• Fireworks should be displayed one at a time. A "Grand Finale" is "grand," but not necessarily safe.

(Safe Disposal)

The celebration of our countries liberation is one of America’s favorite celebrations. (And rightfully should be.) Celebrations also include baseball games, barbeques, picnics, fairs and other family activities, But we do all at times need reminders to keep ourselves, and our families safe. We at WisconsinParent.com all wish you a very happy holiday!

Find more fireworks safety tips. (Click to access)