Public Service Announcement-Firework Safety 2020
July is National Fireworks Safety Month. Independence Day is fast approaching and fireworks are synonymous with many of the celebrations throughout our nation. Fireworks displays are beautiful and awe inspiring. However, many cities have cancelled or postponed these annual events. If you choose to celebrate Independence Day this year with legal fireworks, the Michigan Poison Center at the Wayne State University School of Medicine wants everyone at your celebrations to stay safe and avoid injuries and unexpected exposure to the hazardous chemicals found in these products.
Each July, poison centers receive increased calls from parents and caregivers about children who have eaten or otherwise been exposed to firecrackers, firework snakes or other fireworks. Fireworks contain a variety of poisonous chemicals such as arsenic, barium chlorate, phosphorus and potassium nitrate. Symptoms from eating fireworks can range from mild to severe. Upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur. Life-threatening symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing and seizures can also develop.
Fireworks often considered relatively safe for children, such as sparklers, burn at a temperature of 1,500° F, which can cause severe burns. According to the National Safety Council, the majority of burns related to fireworks treated in emergency rooms are seen in people younger than 20 who have used illegal fireworks.
Follow these safety tips to help assure that your Fourth of July celebrations remain safe and enjoyable for everyone:
ONLY use legal fireworks
ALWAYS use eye protection
NEVER pick up lighted fireworks
KEEP OUT OF REACH of children
Create an area where only the person setting off the fireworks can enter, and prohibit anyone else from getting close
Place animals inside in a quiet area; most dogs are distressed by the loud noises
NEVER let small children handle fireworks, including sparklers
DO NOT use fireworks if impaired by drugs or alcohol
NEVER force vomiting if fireworks have been eaten
Older children should be supervised by an adult when using fireworks
NEVER light or use fireworks inside or near a house or garage
NEVER light fireworks near other people or flammable materials and liquids like fuel
ONLY light one fireworks item at a time
NEVER attempt to re-light or handle fireworks that have malfunctioned
Have a bucket filled with water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks, including those that have malfunctioned
To avoid risks related to using fireworks at home, the Michigan Poison Center recommends leaving it to the professionals. Michigan Fireworks Display has provided a link for everyone to enjoy a safe and spectacular show this year. Click https://michiganfireworks.com/by-date/ to find your local event.
