NFPA/Atlantic Mutual Share 'Risk Watch' Approach to Fireworks Safety

Each year, thousands of children—and adults alike—are involved in fireworks-related incidents that often result in disfiguring burns, blindness, damaged hearing and the loss of fingers or limbs.

In 1997, U.S. emergency rooms treated 8,300 people for injuries caused by fireworks, a 14 percent increase over the 7,300 people injured in 1996. Two of every five, or 38 percent of people injured in 1997 were under the age of 15. Almost two-thirds, or 64 percent, were under 25.

"These kinds of injuries are entirely preventable," says Randolph Smith, senior vice president, Personal Insurance Division for Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company. "Fireworks are best left to trained professionals. Almost every community has access to state-of-the art professional displays that are safer and more exciting than a backyard show could ever be."

To help meet the need for ongoing education about fireworks safety, Atlantic Mutual and the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have developed fireworks safety information that follows the Risk Watch philosophy of injury prevention. Developed by the NFPA and available for classroom instruction, Risk Watch teaches children to evaluate risky situations and choose the safest response.

"Parents should teach their children to avoid places where fireworks are being used by amateurs,'' says Meri-K Appy, vice president of public education for the NFPA. "Even sparklers, which many people consider safe, burn at temperatures in excess of 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause severe contact burns and ignite clothing.''

In 1997, sparklers caused 12 percent of the fireworks injuries treated by hospital emergency rooms. Thirty-nine percent of the injuries were to the eyes.

The Risk Watch Approach:

• Children model adult behavior. Adults should always demonstrate a responsible approach to dangerous heat sources including fireworks
• Discuss the risks of fireworks openly with children. Without frightening them, help them understand the consequences of playing with such volatile devices. Role-play with children how they will handle telling peers they don't want to touch fireworks, or how they will leave a friend's home if amateurs, including adults, are using fireworks
• Provide children with safe alternatives to fireworks. Noise-makers, paper streamers and other similar products can entertain children and make them feel part of the celebrations. When attending professional fireworks displays, comply with all safety restrictions and stay clear of pyrotechnicians
• No amateur should ever touch unexploded fireworks. Children should be instructed to tell a grown-up if they find fireworks. An adult should immediately notify the proper authorities for safe disposal