Fireworks Safety Tips for the 4th of July

By July 1, 2015Blog
South Park animation, text reading "If You Don't Practice Fire Safety, You're gonna Have A Bad Time"

fireworks safetyThe 4th of July is right around the corner. You’re probably all stocked up with fireworks and ready to go but have you thought about fireworks safety? If you think you’re invincible and nothing can go wrong – think again.  While lighting these up can be fun and exciting, there is always a chance of an accident happening when not using the proper safety. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 230 people on average go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday, with firecrackers accounting for the majority of those injuries.

Fireworks Safety and Mishaps

Countless injuries can occur due to the misuse of fireworks, not just burns and eye injuries. Bigger fireworks, some of which have been banned in the US since 1966, have caused limb-threatening injuries due to improper handling.

Firework injuries are not just caused by larger fireworks. Nearly 90% of emergency room firework injuries involve smaller fireworks intended for at home use. I’m calling out you, sparklers. Although sparklers may seem innocent and child friendly, they burn at temperatures around 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to cause serious 3rd degree burns when mishandled. And really what’s fun about standing there holding a stick of fire thats shooting sparks at your body?

Aside from personal injury risk, fireworks increase the risk of starting fires. Clothing, grass, trees, and homes, can catch fire from a single firework gone wrong. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more than 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year. Always have a bucket of water or hose handy and ready in the event of an accident and always point fireworks away from homes, brush, leaves and flammable substances.

Tips for fireworks safety

Fireworks safety doesn’t have to suck all the fun out of your night. What will suck all the fun out of your night? Lets say it all together! “Going to the emergency room.” In fact, if you follow these tips when you’re handling and lighting fireworks this July 4th, you won’t need to pay your nearest Urgent Care or Emergency room a visit.

  • Never give fireworks to children
  • Always read and follow the directions on the label. 
  • Always have an adult present when handling fireworks
  • Use fireworks outdoors in a non-wooded area
  • Have a bucket of water or hose near
  • Make everyone stand back at a safe distance
  • Light one firework at a time
  • Never relight something that didn’t go off the first time
  • Never carry fireworks in your pocket
  • Don’t throw fireworks at people 
  • Keep pets indoors and away from fireworks
  • Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
  • Always wear safety glasses when igniting fireworks

 

While it may seem safe to let your children help with the clean-up process, but many firecrackers remain extremely hot — it’s best to handle this process yourself. Soak each firework in water prior to throwing them in the trash; this simple process will help you to prevent a trash fire.

There’s no reason for you and your children to miss out on the joy that comes with 4th of July fireworks—just make sure that you’re practicing 4th of July Fireworks Safety, too!

Fireworks are meant to be fun and enjoyable, but you’ll enjoy them much more knowing your family is safe. Take extra precautions this Fourth of July, and remember that the best way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by professionals.

In the event of a firework related injury, seek medical attention immediately. In the event of a fire that cannot be easily extinguished, call 9-1-1.