Kimberly, WI, June 25, 2010 –(PR.com)– With the Fourth of July holiday just around the corner, many parents will buy fireworks to entertain their families. The Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (WIAAP) advises families that while celebrations and fireworks often go hand in hand, fireworks in the hands of non-professionals can spell disaster.
“Quite simply, the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to take your family to watch any of the great professional display events available over the holiday,” said Jeffrey W. Britton, MD, FAAP, chair of the chapter’s Violence and Injury Prevention committee. “Children need to know that fireworks are not toys, they should never touch or ignite them, and if they find fireworks they need to seek help from an adult.”
According to the National Fire Protection Association (http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/pdf/os.fireworks.pdf):
- In 2006, fireworks caused an estimated 32,600 reported fires, including 1,700 total structure fires, 600 vehicle fires, and 30,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated 6 civilian deaths, 70 civilian injuries and $34 million in direct property damage.
- In 2007, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,800 people for fireworks related injuries; 56% of 2007 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 36% were to the head.
- The risk of fireworks injury was two-and-a-half times as high for children ages 5-9 or 10-14 as for the general population.
- On Independence Day in a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for half of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.
Additional information is available at:
American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement: Fireworks-related Injuries to Children (2001, reaffirmed 2005)
http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;108/1/190
Consumer Product Safety Commission Report (2008)
http://www.cpsc.gov/library/2008fwreport.pdf
Comprised of nearly 1,000 members and a part of the American Academy of Pediatrics (“AAP”), WIAAP works to assure optimal health and safety for Wisconsin’s children and their families through advocacy and collaboration with child interest groups. WIAAP supports Wisconsin pediatricians, enabling them to continue to be the most effective providers of health care to children. The American Academy of Pediatrics is committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
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Contact Information:
Wisconsin Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics
Kia LaBracke
262-490-9075
[email protected]
www.wisaap.org
Click here to read the full story: Fireworks and Your Family: Leave It to the Pros. Wisconsin Pediatricians Urge Caregivers to Prohibit Use of Fireworks.
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