Be Safe Enjoying a Holiday Tradition
Not sure the history of fireworks and how they became a symbol for ringing in the New Year, but many people celebrate with their own display. Unfortunately, it is also a time when people get hurt. Most people injured are bystanders at private firework displays. In 2023, there were over 9,700 injuries involving fireworks. Surprisingly, 50% of accidents happen despite adequate parental supervision.
According to a Consumer Public Safety Commission study on the 2023 Fourth of July celebrations:
- Teenagers (15-19) had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries, with youth ages 5-9 years old having the next highest rate.
- There were an estimated 800 emergency department-treated injuries associated with firecrackers and 700 with sparklers.
- Hands and fingers were the areas of the body most often injured by fireworks (an estimated 35 percent of injuries), followed by head, face, and ears (an estimated 22 percent). These are sensitive areas. Nobody wants to lose a finger or hand, yet in 2022 29% of firework injuries were hands and fingers.
- Burns topped the chart for emergency department treatment (42 percent) and can cause permanent disfiguration and damage.
- In fiscal year 2023, almost 20 percent of selected and tested fireworks products were found to contain noncompliant components, including fuse violations, the presence of prohibited chemicals and pyrotechnic materials overload.
So, no matter where you celebrate, please consider safety first.
Tips to Celebrate Safely
- Kids should not handle or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals. Clothing can catch on fire in a matter of seconds.
- Never make your own fireworks. Only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use. Make sure everyone follows the warnings and instructions.
- Stay sober when setting off fireworks (both alcohol and drugs.)
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire. After fireworks complete their burning, dunk used fireworks in bucket or completely saturate with a hose before throwing in the trash.
- Never relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
- Never light fireworks from your body. Light fireworks one at a time on a smooth flat surface, then move back quickly.
- Never look down mortar tubes or place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Make sure others are out of range before lighting fireworks. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
Everyone wants to have a fun celebration to ring in the new year. Make sure yours is also safe. Understanding that many fireworks can contain illegal ingredients that can cause injury is a key to safe handling. https://youtu.be/DWvUcCkqk-o
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