Hot Dogs, Fireworks, and a Trip to the ER? Safety Tips for an Injury Free Fourth of July

It's a Fourth of July Safety Quiz! Don't worry, you won't be graded. Be sure to check your answers at the end.

1. How hot does a sparkler burn?
a. 100 degrees
b. 200 degrees
c. 500 degrees
d. 1200 degrees

2. What age group has the highest number of firework related injuries?
a. 0 -2 years of age
b. 2 - 9 years of age
c. 10 - 14 years of age
d. 15 - 20 years of age

3. The safest way to enjoy your fireworks is by:
a. igniting them inside your home
b. crowd around the firework display- the closer the better
c. leave it to the professionals and head to a firework show
d. give your kids a box of fireworks and a lighter, and then stand back

4. Approximately how many injuries/deaths are related to fireworks each year?
a. under 50
b. over 1000
c. over 5000
d. over 9000

5. What are the common causes of firework related injuries to children?
a. curiosity
b. lack of physical coordination
c. experimentation
d. being too close
e. type of fireworks used
f. all of the above
g. hint: pick F

Answers:
1: D - Yes, a sparkler burns at 1,200 degrees! Sparklers are a common cause of firework injuries often due to clothes catching fire. It's sad to say, but even sparklers should not be used by kids under the age of 12.
2: C - Kids ages 10 - 14 years are two-and-a-half times more likely to be injured by a firework than the rest of the population.
3: C - Hopefully no explanation is needed for this question!
4: D - Most firework injuries are avoidable. If you choose to have your own firework show, take the necessary precautions. Keep all kids a safe distance from fireworks. Have water on hand in case a fire occurs. Do not reignite a "dud", instead let sit for 20 minutes then put into a bucket of water. For more safety tips visit the Firework Safety Website.
5: F - As stated, the common causes of firework injuries to children are due to their natural curiosity, their lack of coordination, experimentation, proximity to the fireworks, and the type of fireworks used.

For more information on Fireworks and a Safe Fourth of July visit these links:
American Academy of Pediatrics
National Fire Protection Association