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This blog post first appeared on Kids HealthLine, courtesy of Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St. Vincent.
The celebration of July 4th brings to mind warm weather, cookouts and, for many, fireworks. Taking in a fireworks show can be a fun time for your family on a summer night, but don’t forget the dangers of these explosives. This quiz assesses your firework safety knowledge and helps you make sure your child has a happy Independence Day.
1. Elementary school-aged children should be permitted to play with fireworks __________.
a) Under adult supervision
b) Never
c) Classified as “sparklers”
d) After a discussion about firework rules
2. Fireworks should be stored __________.
a) In a cool, dry place
b) Per package instructions
c) Far from lighting areas
d) All of the above
3. When lighting fireworks, basic precautions include having _________ on hand.
a) A first aid kit and a bucket of water
b) A firefighter or pyrotechnics professional
c) Safety goggles
d) Directions to the nearest emergency room
4. A sparkler burns at close to _________ degrees Fahrenheit.
a) 500
b) 1,000
c) 1,500
d) 2,000
5. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to _________.
a) Light them in an area with a radius of 15 feet closed off to children.
b) Join the community fun at a public display.
c) Attend a fireworks safety course beforehand.
d) Admit this is a trick question; there is no “safest” way!
Answers: 1. b; 2. d; 3. a; 4. d; 5. b
Firework First Aid
Despite the best preparation, burns from fireworks can occur, so learn to properly care for them. First, deposit the firework that caused the injury in a bucket of water. If any clothing smolders, take it off. Major burns require specialized care, so examine the burn before continuing.
If the burn seems limited to the upper layer of skin, run cold water over it for about five minutes. Apply a generous amount of antibiotic ointment and then cover the burn with non-stick gauze. Keep the burned area elevated. Order your free first aid kit at kidshealthline.com/firstaidkit.
This article was reviewed by Mercy Hylton, MD, emergency medicine, Hilbert Pediatric Emergency Department, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent.
