Health
Safety Officials Warn of Firework Dangers for Kids, Pets Ahead of 4th of July Celebrations
Video: Fire safety officials stage a demonstration on July 1, 2024, showing the dangers of fireworks. The event was held at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital. (WTTW News)
Ahead of Fourth of July celebrations, local first responders and health care workers are reminding residents to practice firework safety by leaving fireworks to the professionals.
The University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital has already seen an uptick in firework-related injuries, according to Dr. Marc Sycip, medical director of the hospital’s pediatric emergency department, who spoke during a Monday news conference.
While most firework-related injuries doctors expect to see in the upcoming days will be minor, Sycip said, some injuries can be serious. For instance, children can put small popping firecrackers in their nose or mouth; sparklers can cause eye injuries; and smoke that lingers in the air after fireworks go off can be a trigger for patients prone to asthma attacks.
Parents should speak to their children about the danger of fireworks, according to Sycip. And if fireworks are going to be lit, parents should make sure children are a safe distance away.
“With the thrill, excitement and brilliance of fireworks, it’s so easy to forget that they are actually dangerous explosives,” Sycip said. “Even when handled correctly — when coupled with the crowds, loud music and little kids running around — accidents can happen.”
Misuse of fireworks can lead to burns, dismemberments, accidental fires and even death, officials said.
Across the country, there were eight deaths and an estimated 9,700 injuries involving fireworks last year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Novelty fireworks such as sparklers, snappers, and poppers can also be dangerous. Sparklers burn in excess of 1,200 degrees, which can cause a burn resulting in permanent damage or scarring, according to safety officials.
Click here for a list of approved and prohibited consumer fireworks.
How to Keep Pets Safe and Calm
Fourth of July can also be a stressful time for pets, who are more at risk of running away, according to Dr. Erin Newman, veterinarian and medical director at BLVD Vet in River North.
“Pets have sensitive hearing, and fireworks can sound like bombs to them, terrifying them and triggering a flight response, causing them to run away as fast as they can,” Newman said during Monday’s news conference.
Here are tips to help keep pets safe during the Fourth of July, according to Anti-Cruelty and PAWS Chicago.
- Keep Pets Secure Indoors: Fireworks can scare pets, causing them to run away. Keep them inside, close windows and turn on calming music.
- Update Identification Tags: Ensure your pet’s ID tags and microchip information is up-to-date in case your furry friend gets lost.
- Create a Cozy Safe Space: Set up a quiet area with your pet’s favorite toys where the pet can retreat if feeling scared.
- Tire Them Out With Some Fun: Give your pet an extra-long walk and plenty of playtime to help them snooze through the evening’s excitement.
Contact Eunice Alpasan: @eunicealpasan | 773-509-5362 | [email protected]
