Fireworks have long been a part of celebrating major events and holidays, such as the 4^th of July, but in the hands of the untrained they can and do cause serious injuries, including severe burns and other injuries in children.

Each year, fireworks send 3,000 +children under the age of 15 to emergency rooms in the U.S.

The National Fire Protection Association(NFPA) reports that sparklers, which burn at about 1,200°F and are typically viewed by parents as relatively harmless fireworks for children, cause serious burn injuries, accounting for one-third of the injuries to children under five.

According to The National Fire Protection Association, the best way to protect your family is to not use any fireworks at home…period. Attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals.

Follow these simple fireworks tips:

• The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public fireworks displays hosted by professionals who know how to safely handle fireworks.

• Closely supervise children around fireworks at all times.

• Do not give children sparklers or allow them to pick up fireworks or other novelty items.

• If your friends or family members refuse to stop using fireworks, please follow these tips:
  • If you plan to use fireworks, make sure they are legal in your area.
  • Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
  • Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly.
  • Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.
  • Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a devise does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate it. Put it out with water and dispose of it.
  • Closely supervise children around fireworks at all times.
  • Do not give children sparklers or allow them to pick up fireworks or other novelty items.

Sources: Safe Kids USA, The National Fire Protection Association(NFPA)

 Be Safe! Have Fun! Celebrate our Nation’s Birthday!

There are few states that have laws stating how old a child must be before he or she can be left at home alone.

Yet, the National SAFEKIDS Campaign states that no child under 12 should be left home alone, no matter how mature they appear to be. They advise:

While 12 years is the earliest age to even consider that a child can stay home alone, each child is different and may not be ready at 12. Once the decision is made to begin allowing a child to stay at home alone the following suggestions can help insure a safe, comfortable experience for parent and child:

• Practice by letting your child stay at home for brief periods of time

• Always leave a phone number where you can be contacted

• Call your child regularly while they are alone

• Prepare your child for staying home alone. A good book to review together  is Dottie Raymer’s Staying Home Alone, and discuss what it means to make safe choices.

• Be sure your child understands your expectations about he or she is to use alone time. Review what is and is not permitted, such as:
  • TV viewing
  • Answer the phone
  • Cooking or making a snack
  • Using the computer
  • Entertaining friends
  • Going out or visit friends

• Make sure your home is safe for your child:
  • Keep medications in a locked cabinet
  • If you have guns, keep them a locked cabinet
  • Correct anything your child could get hurt on
• Practice correct behavior in emergencies such as:
  • What to do in an emergency
  • What to do if someone were trying to get into the house or apartment
  • What to do in case of a fire
• Before you make the decision to try letting your child be home alone, ask your child if he or she feels confident and ready to stay home alone. If he or she is hesitant, hire a sitter and revisit being home alone in six or more months.

Sources: National Child Care Information Center, National SAFEKIDS Campaign, Jennifer Wolf, About.com