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YourHub.com \\ Northglenn \\ Stories \\ Holidays \\ Independence Day

Parents: Don't let your kids play with fireworks!

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Contributed by: North Metro Fire Rescue on 6/21/2006

The Fire Analysis and Research Division of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recently released a report on Fireworks-related Injures, Deaths and Fires. The report states that in 2003, 9,300 people in the U.S. were injured by fireworks and had to be treated in hospital emergency rooms. And, as in most years, the highest injury rates were for children aged 5 to 9.

"Statistics like these are a solid indicator for parents to keep fireworks out of the hands of their children," said Wendy Krajewski, Public Information Officer of North Metro Fire Rescue. "Locally we see fireworks injuries and unintentionally caused fires every year. And, the worst part is that incidents are completely avoidable."

The NFPA report found that more than one-third of the 2003 emergency room fireworks injuries were to the head (38%) and half were to extremities (51%). Injuries to the extremities were primarily to the hand or finger. In addition 20% of the injuries were to the eyes and 17% were to other parts of the head or face.

The most common type of injuries, two-thirds, sustained were burns (63%). The second highest were contusion and lacerations-and these were most prevalent when the injury was to any part of the head or face, including the eyes.

North Metro Fire Rescue wants to encourage parents to avoid personal fire works. The NFPA study found the majority of injury victims in 2003 were under the age of 20. In fact, the highest injury rates were for children between the ages of 5-9. "We can speculate why this age group has a higher injury rate-possibly using these explosives without the supervision of parents, experimenting with friends," said Wendy Krajewski. "However, the bottom line is that each time they light a firework they will not be able to control where that firework will land or exactly when it will spark, explode or burn."

One of the more surprising facts for fireworks consumers to realize is that five out of six (84%) of the emergency room visits in 2003 caused by fireworks involved products that the Federal regulations allow consumers to use. That means parents need to understand that even if a firework is "legal"-it does not mean that it is "safe." For example, in 2003 sparklers, fountains and novelties alone accounted for one-fourth (24%) of emergency-room firework injuries, including the majority of injuries to pre-school children (ages 4 and under).

Residents of incorporated Broomfield and Northglenn are not permitted to use any type of fireworks under City and County ordinances. Both jurisdictions are planning public displays that are free to anyone!

Every Call Counts! North Metro Fire Rescue provides fire protection, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response and rescue services to their community. Formed in 1946, the district now covers 115 square miles with a population of approximately 90,000 people including the City and County of Broomfield, the City of Northglenn and unincorporated areas of Boulder, Adams and Jefferson Counties.

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North Metro Fire Rescue

Northglenn , CO

North Metro Fire Rescue has posted 244 stories and 1 comment since joining on 9/14/2005. North Metro Fire Rescue's average story rating is 4.81.

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