July 2020: Fireworks
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Fireworks and sparklers are common during summer holidays and celebrations. Unfortunately, nearly 10,000 firework-related injuries were treated in emergency departments in 2019. Public health and child injury professionals always recommend skipping the backyard displays and attending shows put on by professionals.
If your local public fireworks display has been cancelled this year due to COVID-19, there are plenty of safe alternatives to try! Glowsticks, party poppers, bubbles, and flags are all fun ways to celebrate the summer holidays.
There is no such thing as a “safe” firework. Sparklers, bottle rockets, and firecrackers are leading causes of firework-related injuries.
Approximately one-fourth of backyard fireworks injuries to children occur to those who are bystanders, so simply watching someone else use fireworks can put a child at risk. Families should carefully consider the risks of backyard fireworks, including sparklers, before using them.
Fireworks Safety Resources
Firework Safety – Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Fireworks Safety Tip Sheet – National Fire Protection Association
Stay Safe This 4th of July – HealthyChildren.org
COVID-19 Quick Tip
The 4th of July is the deadliest day of the year for children riding ATVs (all-terrain vehicles). Remember, ATV use is not recommended for children younger than 16 years. If you choose to allow your child to ride an ATV, follow these tips from our ATV Safety Toolkit to lower the chances of serious injury.
Start off right: Choose a youth model ATV designed for your child’s age (adult models are not safe for children younger than 16 years). Enroll your child in a hands-on training course.
Safety first: Only allow one person per ATV (no passengers). Wear recommended safety gear: a helmet certified by the Department of Transportation, ANSI, or the Snell Foundation, boots, gloves, goggles, and long pants and sleeves.
Off-road only: Use ATVs only on off-road terrain, never on paved surfaces or public roads of any type.
Take Action
Every month, we are promoting a new action that each family can take to keep their children safer while social distancing. This month, we want every family to put a life jacket on their children every time they are in and around water. Follow along every month for a new action, and share with us how you're preventing child injury in your home!
Membership Drive
Our first membership drive is taking place July 1st - July 31st. If you have benefitted from our program, spread the word with colleagues, peers, and friends! We want to reward those who refer others with a small bonus to show our appreciation. We have put together a page of social media posts, graphics, and a sample email to help you throughout the drive.
1 Referral: Prevent Child Injury Sticker
3 Referrals: Prevent Child Injury Spiral Notebook
10 Referrals: Entry to Win a Prevent Child Injury Swag Box
We will be tallying up referrals at the conclusion of the membership drive. Make sure to tell referrals to mention your name if you would like to receive the bonuses.
In addition, we are recognizing all existing and new members with a free Prevent Child Injury pin. We will be reaching out to all of you for mailing addresses if you are interested in receiving the pin. As always, please reach out to our team at info@preventchildinjury.org if you have any questions about our membership drive.
Coming Up
On Our Twitter Calendar
July 6 - 12: Hydration Safety
July 13 - 19: Open Water Safety
July 20 - 26: Fall Sports & Marching Band Readiness
July 27 - August 2: Heat Safety Awareness & Heatstroke Prevention Day (July 31)
Events
Join Memorial Hospital Miramar for the webinar “Infant Sleep Safety” on July 1st from 5:30 - 6:30PM EST. The webinar will cover the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations for safe sleep, learning what a safe sleep environment looks like, and actions you can take to reduce the risk of infant sleep-related deaths. Register for the free webinar here.
The Region IV Public Health Training Center is hosting a live webinar titled “Health Equity in Young Children” on July 7th at 12PM EST. Ellyn Cochran (United Way of Greater Atlanta) and Kimberly Ross (Georgia Department of Health) will be discussing the preventable health disparities that occur in childhood and their effect on health outcomes later in life. Register for the free webinar here.