Fireworks Safety Month

As July 4 approaches, you're probably thinking about sitting out on the lawn with your family and neighbors, eating snacks, and watching beautiful fireworks bursting in the night sky. July 4 celebrations can be a lot of fun, but you also need to be mindful of your safety. Fireworks can be dangerous and should only be handled by professionals. According to Prevent Blindness America, from 1980-1994, fireworks accounted for 29 fires, 65 explosions, and 114 deaths. And, almost half of the injured are children ages 19 years old and under.

Even sparklers can be dangerous; they are the second highest cause of fireworks-related injuries requiring trips to the hospital. Sparklers can heat up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. That's hot enough to melt gold!

To have a fun and safe July 4 celebration, check out these fireworks safety tips from Girl Power!:

• Let grownups handle the fireworks. Fireworks should only be used by adult professionals, so never touch or light one. Instead, enjoy the splendor of fireworks at a professional display!

• Avoid sparklers. They can catch your clothing on fire.

• Never attempt to make your own fireworks.

• Keep your distance from other people who are using sparklers or lighting their own fireworks-bystanders are more frequently injured by fireworks than the people who are using them!

• If an injury occurs, stay calm. If your clothing catches on fire, lie on the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll.

• If you get something in your eye from a fireworks explosion, don't rub or rinse your eye. Have your parents take you to the emergency room immediately.

• If you see kids playing with fireworks or doing something that looks unsafe, tell a trusted adult.