FIREWORKS INJURE 3,000 CHILDREN EACH YEAR

Safe Kids Lower Shore Maryland offers Fourth of July Safety Tips

(SALISBURY, MD) - Each year, more than 3,000 children ages 14 and under are treated in U.S. emergency rooms for injuries involving fireworks. Most of these injuries occur in the few weeks before and after the Fourth of July. Children ages 5 to 9 have the highest rate of injury from fireworks.

Viewing a public display by professionals minimizes the risk of fireworks-related injuries. “The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend one of the licensed, public fireworks displays scheduled throughout Maryland, Delaware or Virginia over the holiday period,” said Lori Brewster, Health Officer for the Wicomico County Health Department. "Consumer fireworks are not toys and should not be handled by children."

Where permitted by law, fireworks should be handled and used in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and all warning labels. In addition, Safe Kids Lower Shore Maryland recommends these precautions for adults choosing to use fireworks:
 A permit is needed to discharge any fireworks.
 Always have an adult present and never give fireworks to children.
 Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
 Light fireworks only on smooth, flat surfaces, and aim them away from buildings, dry leaves, combustible materials, and spectators.
 Do not try to relight fireworks that malfunction.
 Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or hold them close to your face.
 Do not modify fireworks or attempt to make homemade explosives.
 Never use fireworks indoors.
 Never use fireworks while intoxicated.
 Keep a phone handy, and know first aid for burns.
 Always have water and sand handy, water hose and bucket.

For more information about fireworks safety and burn prevention, contact William E. Barnard, Deputy State Fire Marshal at 410-653-8980 or visit the Maryland State Fire Marshal's website at http://www.firemarshal.state.md.us.

For more information about the Safe Kids Lower Shore Maryland Coalition and/or other unintentional childhood injury prevention information, contact Tammy Griffin, Lower Shore Coordinator, at 410-334-3480 Ext 17480 or by e-mail at GriffinTL@dhmh.state.md.us.

Safe Kids Lower Shore Maryland is committed to the prevention of unintentional childhood injury, the leading killer of children 14 and younger. Safe Kids Lower Shore Maryland is a member of Maryland State Safe Kids and Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing unintentional injury.