Fireworks at home could bring spike in injuries

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- With most fireworks shows being cancelled this year due to COVID-19, health officials are bracing for a possible spike in injuries as people create their own shows at home.

"I have heard a lot of fireworks going on in my neighborhood or in the distance so obviously they're there, families are using them. It's definitely not advised since there is a burn ban in El Paso County," said Amanda Abramczyk-Thill, an injury and prevention coordinator for the Colorado Children's Hospital Colorado Springs.

Sparklers are often believed to be one of the safest fireworks around, especially for kids. Abramczyk-Thill said its mainly because they don't explode, but they can still be dangerous.

She says sparklers were the primary firework responsible for kids landing in the emergency room.

"About 56% of the injuries from sparklers happen to children under the age of 5," she said.

The U.S. Consumer product safety commission found ERs treated an estimated 10,000 fireworks-related injuries last year.

"Those sparklers or fireworks that are close to the skin can really cause pretty severe burns of second and third-degree," Abramczyk-Thill said.

The easiest way to make sure your kids are safe? Leave the fireworks up to the experts.

"Glow sticks or bubbles are something that's safer and good for them to play with so they can still have fun especially when it gets dark out while still being safe," she said.