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PHOENIX (June 29, 2018) – We all know fireworks are dangerous for the environment, but there are also several health risks associated with using fireworks, especially when it comes to having them around small children, says Tracey Fejt, RN, an injury prevention coordinator at Cardon Children’s Medical Center.

There are several different injuries that could happen when using fireworks depending on the situation. The most common bodily injury they see are damage to fingers, hands, and arms, according to Fejt.

In the 2016 Fireworks Annual Report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 31 percent of the total estimated fireworks injuries were children younger than 15 years old – 69 percent of those injuries were burns.

“Even with sparklers, they can burn up to 1,200 degrees or more and when you have little kids, they can’t keep it far enough away from their face and body,” Fejt says. 

In the ready-to-edit video, Fejt details important safety tips to follow regarding fireworks:

• Trust the professionals: Go to a show and watch fireworks
• Follow city/state ordinance: Purchase and use only legal fireworks approved by your city/state
• Have water handy: In case of an emergency, a nearby bucket or hose can be very helpful
• Ditch “duds”: Never pick up or relight a firework that doesn’t light

As the summer activities continue, these firework safety tips will help keep your family and children safe from potential injuries.

About Banner Children’s

Banner Children’s, part of nonprofit Banner Health, cares for more kids than any other health system in Arizona. From well-child exams to treatment of minor injuries and illnesses to management of chronic conditions, the experienced team at Banner Children’s provides comprehensive, family-centered medical care for every child in Banner Health centers and clinics, emergency rooms, hospitals and outpatient facilities. Services include: behavioral health, cancer care, diabetes and endocrinology, digestive care, emergency care, heart care, neurosciences, primary care, surgery and more. For more information about Banner Children’s services, physicians and locations, visit www.BannerChildrens.com or check us out on Facebook.