![\"fireworks\"](\"http:\/\/ehealth.cooperhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/fireworks_story.jpg\" "\\"fireworks\\"")
The Fourth of July is a time for celebration across the country, and here in Camden County – fireworks are a crowd favorite each year. While fireworks can be fun to watch, they can also be very dangerous.<\/p>\nThe Fourth of July is a time for celebration across the country, and here in Camden County – fireworks are a crowd favorite each year. While fireworks can be fun to watch, they can also be very dangerous.<\/p>\n
In 2009, an estimated 3,432 children ages 15 and under had injuries involving fireworks with most of these injuries occurring from the middle of June until the middle of July. Children and teenagers are the most likely people to be injured as a result of consumer fireworks. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 40 percent of the people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t ever let kids play with fireworks or sparklers,\u201d says Maureen Donnelly, Safe Kids Southern New Jersey coordinator. \u201cThe safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch them at a community event where professionals handle them,\u201d says Ms. Donnelly. Safe Kids also recommends that adults never use fireworks when children are present.<\/p>\n
The United States Fire Administration reminds us that kids should never play with fireworks or sparklers. Sparklers can reach 2,000\u00b0 Fahrenheit- hot enough to melt some metals. Do not allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.<\/p>\n
Fireworks, including sparklers and flares, can cause serious burns as well as blast injuries that can permanently impair vision and hearing. \u201cTeach your children how to call 911 in an emergency. Also teach them what to do if their clothing catches on fire – \u2018stop, drop and roll,\u2019\u201d adds Ms. Donnelly.<\/p>\n