How hot do sparklers get? Why you should consider glow sticks instead for kids
According to the National Safety Council, sparklers can burn at around 2,000 degrees (sometimes more, depending on the brand). That's really hot to have your little one's hand so close, and waving it so close to others.
Kevin Moore, emergency department medical director for IU Health, suggested small children shouldn't handle anything that's lit, including a sparkler.
The National Safety Council also recommends not allowing young children to handle fireworks, and to closely supervise older children. The National Fire Protection Association recommends glow sticks as a safer alternative to sparklers.
Moore recommended the following advice if you're using fireworks at home:
Don't let small children handle fireworks or anything that is lit, including sparklers.
Don't point fireworks at people, animals, houses, etc. Follow instructions on packaging.
Keep water nearby.
Light fireworks one at a time.
Don't try to relight a firework that didn't go off.
Keep pets inside when lighting fireworks.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: How hot do sparklers get? Fireworks safety tips for the Fourth of July
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