Be Safe When Celebrating with Fireworks

Fireworks are a big part of celebrating the 4th of July.  Each year thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks.

Fireworks Can Be Dangerous

Most people underestimate the associated risks of using fireworks. Despite the dangers, 26% of people set off their own fireworks.

Common injuries include burns to the hands and arms and according to a May 2016 report by Statistic Brain, fireworks also are responsible for …

• 9300 serious injuries each year
• 45% of the injuries are incurred by kids under the age of 14
• 400 people in America lose their sight in one or both eyes due to fireworks accidents
• 20,000 fires are caused each year in the U.S. due to fireworks

Safety Tips When Using Fireworks

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

Have Fun, But Be Safe

Enjoy the holiday, but be safe.  Our suggestion is to go to one of the many Fourth of July fireworks displays put on by professionals and leave the pyrotechnics to others.

To learn where some of the best fireworks displays are in our area, go to Local Fireworks Displays.