Firework Safety for this Summer
As we look forward to this summer’s barbeques, pool parties, and more, consider leaving the firework displays to the professionals this year. While firework laws vary from state to state, consumer fireworks and other small devices such as sparklers can cause serious injuries and start fires. From 2007 through 2022, there has been an increasing trend in fireworks-related injuries of about 535 injuries per year in the United States. Fireworks don’t have to be big and more explosive to cause injuries either, sparklers accounted for roughly 8% and firecrackers 18% of injuries reported in 2022.[1]
If you live in an area where fireworks are legal and choose to use them this summer, be sure to review these tips to stay safe:
- Do not allow young children to handle fireworks, and only allow older children to use fireworks under close adult supervision
- Do not use fireworks while impaired
- Never light fireworks indoors or under outdoor coverings
- Do not use fireworks close to other people, houses, and flammable materials
- Avoid lighting fireworks during dry and windy conditions
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that do not ignite or in case of a fire
- Soak spent and unspent fireworks in water before discarding
- Never use illegal fireworks
Have fun this summer, and stay safe!
For more information: https://www.nfpa.org/downloadable-resources/safety-tip-sheets/fireworks-safety-tips
[1] Smith B and Pledger D (2023), “2022 Fireworks Annual Report,” U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC.
