The Fourth of July is a holiday filled with fun, food and fireworks. While fireworks add joy and beauty to the celebration of our nation’s birth, they must be handled with care to avoid injury or even death.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission statistics find that at least 18 people were killed in fireworks accidents in 2020. Another 15,600 were injured badly enough to require medical attention. The CPSC noted there was an increase in fireworks-related injuries from 2006 through 2021.
Fireworks can cause costly and devastating property damage as well. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires in 2018, causing five deaths, 46 injuries and $105 million in property damage.
The NFPA notes that many fireworks-related injuries are caused by fireworks that are legal in most states.
Community fireworks displays will light up the night sky in many areas in Fourth of July celebrations. This is the safest way to enjoy fireworks.
However, many people choose to set off fireworks at their home. If you choose this option, there are safety precautions you should follow.
First and foremost, make sure it’s legal to purchase and set off fireworks in your area.
The National Safety Council offers these tips for fireworks safety:
- Never allow young children to handle or be near fireworks
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hand
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never attempt to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or to use in case of fire
- Never use illegal fireworks
Don’t forget that sparklers are not a safe option for children. Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing and cause injury if dropped.
Sparklers are responsible for 25% of fireworks-related emergency room visits. Sparklers account for about 50% of injuries in children under age 5. Glow sticks are a fun and safe option to sparklers.
Remember, fireworks are fun and add sparkle to a Fourth of July celebration, but extreme caution is necessary to ensure safety for all.