Fourth of July Fireworks Shows - Fireworks Safety

Fireworks are a 4th of July tradition for just about all of us in the United States.

In recent years, many child safety experts have tried to shift that tradition away from playing with fireworks and towards watching fireworks at public shows. This can help to do away with another 4th of July tradition that some families have -- the visit to the emergency room to care for a fireworks related injury.

Unfortunately, some people predict a big increase in the use of home fireworks this year, as less people are traveling, and so may decide to buy fireworks at a local fireworks stand. If you have kids, before buying them fireworks to play with, you might keep in mind that in 2008 there were seven fireworks-related deaths and 7,000 fireworks-related hospital emergency room treated injuries that could have been avoided if they had simply gone to a public fireworks show instead of lighting their own fireworks.

Although there may be fewer fireworks shows this year, to keep their kids safe, parents should follow the advice of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks, a group of health and safety organizations which 'urges the public to avoid the use of consumer fireworks, and to only enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals.'