MISSOULA — The Fourth of July is right around the corner which means that kids and families will be excited to watch or play with some fireworks.
But the stunning sparks of fireworks can be harmful to children.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports 7,300 people were sent to the hospital due to firework-related injuries last year and 36% of those injuries were children under 15.
Safe Kids Montana state director Kira Huck says parents should try to find safer alternatives to specialty fireworks like sparklers that are safer.
"An alternative that we like to encourage for families is glow sticks, so they kind of have that same effect -- and they don't burn at 1,200 degrees," said Huck.
Huck also is reminding parents of these four important rules:
- Leave fireworks to the pros, the best way to protect your family is to not have any fireworks at home and go to a display
- Take necessary precautions to avoid injury and starting a wildfire, avoid dry grass and flammable substances and point the fireworks away from your house.
- Be prepared in case a problem arises, keep a fire extinguisher nearby and be sure to douse the remains of the fireworks with water.
