"Children are often attracted to the bright colors of fireworks but don’t understand their dangers, which can lead to tragic and painful consequences," says Glenda Wolnik of Lee County Safe Kids Coalition. "It is important to educate children on the dangers of fireworks and emphasize that only adults should handle them."

Fireworks-Related Injuries
In 1996, nearly 3,000 children ages 14 and under were treated in hospital emergency rooms for fireworks related injuries. Seventy-five percent of these injuries occur during the month surrounding the Fourth of July. Sparklers, often considered the safest type of fireworks, frequently cause injury among children ages 4 and under.

Many parents and caregivers overestimate their children’s ability to use fireworks, creating a dangerous environment for injuries. Fireworks-related injuries usually involve the hands/fingers, eyes or head and can sometimes result in amputations, blinding or even death. More than half of injuries due to fireworks involve burns.

"Fourth of July festivities can turn tragic when fireworks end up tin the wrong hands," said Martin R. Eichelberger, M.D., president of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign and director of the burn unit at children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. "A burn is one of the most painful injuries for children and tends to be more severe because they have thinner skin than an adult."

What is Legal
Consumer fireworks are legal for public sale in 32 states and the District of Columbia. They include fountains, "bottle rockets," Roman candles, rockets with sticks, mines and shells, helicopter-type rockets, certain sparklers, party poppers, missile-type rockets, illuminating torches, toy smoke devices, revolving wheels and firecrackers with no more than 50 milligrams of powder.

The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission adopted a standard, effective March 1997, to eliminate the deadly tipover hazard in large multiple-tube fireworks. The standard requires all domestic manufacturers of these multiple-tube devices to develop a new, safer base.

Fireworks that have been banned from public sale by the CPSC include firecrackers containing more than 50 milligrams of powder, cherry bombs, M-80 salutes, large reloadable shells, aerial bombs and larger fireworks firecrackers containing more than two grains of powder. Mail-order kits designed to create these fireworks are also banned. Ten states ban all consumer fireworks: Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. Six states allow only sparklers and other novelties: Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Two states, Hawaii and Nevada, have fireworks laws only at country levels. However, CPSC regulations are still applicable.

Homemade or illegal fireworks are extremely dangerous and should never e used by your family. Fireworks legally available for sale to the public also can be harmful if not used properly, and they should never be treated as toys. If using fireworks, please remember to follow fireworks laws in your area, practice extreme caution and remember these vital safety guidelines recommended by the Lee County Safe Kids Coalition:

• Only adults should handle fireworks. Tell children that they should leave the area immediately if their friends are using fireworks and keep a bucket of water handy.
• Discuss safety procedures with your children. Teach children to "stop, drop and roll" if their clothes catch fire. Make sure they know how to call 9-1-1. Show them how to put out fireworks by using water or a fire extinguisher.
• Read labels and carefully follow directions. All fireworks must carry a warning label describing necessary safety precautions.
• Never use fireworks indoors.
• Be sure spectators are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Never aim or throw fireworks at another person.
• Never place your face or any other body part over fireworks.
• Never try to re-ignite fireworks that malfunction.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves and flammable materials.

The Lee County Safe Kids Coalition recommends families enjoy the dazzle of fireworks at a community-sanctioned, licensed event. Many communities hold fireworks displays sponsored by the fire department or other safety agencies. Following these important guidelines can help keep your fireworks activities enjoyable and safe. Don’t let dangerous sparks stand between your family and a wonderful Fourth of July celebration.

The Lee County Safe Kids Coalition (239) 332-9571 is part of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, the first and only national organization dedicated solely to the prevention of unintentional childhood injury—the number one killer of children ages 14 and under. More than 260 State and Local SAFE KIDS Coalitions in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico comprise the Campaign and Vice President Al Gore and Tipper Gore are honorary chairs.