Contact:
Patti Roberts, PIO
Patricia.Roberts@flhealth.gov

Office: 850-401-6353

DeFuniak Springs, FL- The Fourth of July is a time for celebration across the country and fireworks are a crowd favorite each year.  While fireworks can be fun to watch, they can also be very dangerous. The Florida Department of Health in Walton County reminds everyone that fireworks, including sparkers and flares, can cause serious burns as well as blast injuries that can permanently impair vision and hearing.

“Children and teenagers are the most likely people to be injured because of consumer fireworks. 

Do not let kids play with fireworks or sparklers,” says Holly Holt, Health Officer and Administrator “The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch them at a community event where professionals handle them.”  DOH also recommends that adults never use fireworks when children are present.

The United States Fire Administration reminds everyone that sparklers can reach 2,000° Fahrenheit- hot enough to melt some metals. Do not allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 2018 Fireworks Annual Report states that Children ages 10-14 had the highest rate of fireworks injury with more than one-third (36%) of the victims of fireworks injuries under age 15 and sparklers account for roughly one-quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries.

Where permitted by law, fireworks should be handled and used in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and all warning labels. For more information about fireworks safety and burn prevention, visit www.safekids.org.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

Fireworks Safety Tips - English

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