According to a report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, six men died and an estimated 8,700 people were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for firework-related injuries in 2011. Also in 2011, an estimated 17,800 fires were started by fireworks, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These numbers are scary high and include lots of damage, not to mention those lives that will be changed forever.

The dangers of fireworks are obviously overlooked, especially for certain age groups. Those 18-24 are at highest risk of injury with children under 10 right behind them.

Firecrackers are one of the most injury-prone fireworks since they are usually the ones that are misused in a dangerous ways. Sparklers are also commonly associated with injuries, most likely because they seem so harmless that we could give them to a young child, but it's still playing with fire no matter how tiny the fire.

Knowing how to properly use fireworks is extremely important since most injuries come from improper use or illegal fireworks. There are so many unforeseen dangers that can occur especially when someone is intoxicated or otherwise has impaired functionality. Even if you aren’t the one lighting the fireworks you can be badly injured.

A lot of fun can be had with fireworks but, it’s important to never forget the power they have. It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.

PLAY IT SAFE! COME JOIN US AT RIVER OF FIRE FESTIVAL IN COLUMBIA PARK!

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