WASHINGTON, June 18, 2010 -- Using sparklers on our nation's birthday is as traditional as cookouts and parades. And it is equally safe if a few common sense rules are followed, says Nancy Blogin, President of the National Council on Fireworks Safety. But she notes, according to the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission ("CPSC"), approximately 16% of all consumer fireworks injuries are caused by sparklers burning hands and legs, with the majority of sparkler injuries occurring to young children. These injuries would not have occurred if there had been close adult supervision and if some basic safety steps had been taken. The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these safety steps for sparklers, in the hopes that sparkler injuries to young children can be greatly reduced.
- Children under the age of 12 should not use sparklers without very close adult supervision.
- Always remain standing while using sparklers.
- Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.
- Never hold, or light, more than one sparkler at a time.
- Sparklers and bare feet can be a painful combination. Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.
- Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop the spent sparklers directly in a bucket of water.
- Never hand a lighted sparkler to another person. Give them the unlit sparkler and then light it.
- Always stand at least 6 feet from another person while using sparklers.
- Never throw sparklers.
- Show children how to hold sparklers away from their body and at arm's length.
- Teach children not to wave sparklers, especially wooden stick sparklers, or run while holding sparklers.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety urges Americans to be Sparkler Smart this Fourth of July in their holiday celebrations.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose sole mission is to educate the public on the safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks. For a full list of consumer fireworks safety tips and a safety video, please visit http://www.FireworksSafety.org.
Contact: Ralph Apel, Past President and Press Contact, at 913 579-4529, or Nancy Blogin, President, at 816 977-5838
