Every year in the United States, we celebrate the Fourth of July with community parades, picnics, barbecues, and fireworks - the things of which happy memories are made. But sadly, Independence Day also includes tragic events resulting from fireworks use. The safest way to enjoy them is through public displays conducted by professional pyrotechnicians hired by communities. Learning fireworks safety tips can help ensure that everyone has a happy and safe summer holiday.
BY THE NUMBERS: FIREWORKS
• 30,100 - The estimated number of fires caused by fireworks each year
• 7,000 - The estimated number of injuries caused by fireworks in 2008
• 7 - Fireworks-related deaths that occurred in 2011
• $34 million - The amount of direct property loss caused by fireworks.
In 2011, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 7,000 people for fireworks-related injuries. 70% of these injuries occurred between June 20 - July 20. Of these:
• 46% of injuries were to the extremities and 36% were to the head.
• 56% were burns, while 21% were contusions and lacerations.
• Two of 5 people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15.
• 62% of injuries were to males; 38% were to females.
• Devices such as sparklers, fountains, roman candles, and novelties accounted for 40% of injuries; firecrackers caused 18% of injuries.
Sources: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
HOW AND WHY DO INJURIES OCCUR?
• Fireworks type: Among the various types of fireworks, bottle rockets can fly into peoples' faces and cause eye injuries; sparklers can ignite clothing (sparklers burn at more than 1,200°F — hot enough to melt gold); and firecrackers can injure the hands or face if they explode at close range.
• Being too close: Injuries may result from being too close to fireworks when they explode; for example, when someone leans over to look more closely at a firework that has been ignited, or when a misguided bottle rocket hits a nearby person.
• Lack of physical coordination: Younger children often lack the physical coordination to handle fireworks safely.
• Curiosity: Children are often excited and curious around fireworks, which can increase their chances of being injured (for example, when they re-examine a firecracker dud that initially fails to ignite).
• Experimentation: Homemade fireworks (for example, ones made of the powder from several firecrackers) can lead to dangerous and unpredictable explosions.
FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS
The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home — period. Attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals. But if you do decide to purchase and shoot fireworks, follow these tips:
• Use common sense!
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."
• Purchase fireworks from reliable, licensed fireworks dealers.
• Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.
• Young children should never play with fireworks. The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees – this can cause third degree burns and scaring for life.
• Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay.
• Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
• Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
• Safety glasses are recommended for individuals lighting fireworks and those individuals in close proximity to the fireworks.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that don't go off.
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
• Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.
• Don't experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Steer clear of others — fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
• Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
• Think about your pets. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run loose or get injured.
SPARKLER SAFETY
Using sparklers on our nation’s birthday is as traditional as the cookouts and parades. And it is equally safe if a few common sense rules are followed. Approximately 16% of all consumer fireworks injuries are caused by sparklers burning hands and legs, with the majority of sparkler injuries occurring to young children. These injuries would not have occurred if there had been close adult supervision and if some basic safety steps had been taken. The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these safety steps for sparklers, in the hopes that sparkler injuries to young children can be greatly reduced.
• Children under the age of 12 should not use sparklers without very close adult supervision.
• Always remain standing while using sparklers.
• Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.
• Never hold or light more than one sparkler at a time.
• Sparklers and bare feet can be a painful combination. Always wear closed‐toe shoes when using sparklers.
• Sparkler wires and sticks remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop the spent sparklers directly into a bucket of water.
• Never hand a lighted sparkler to another person. Give them the unlit sparkler and then light it.
• Always stand at least 6 feet from another person while using sparklers.
• Never throw sparklers.
• Show children how to hold sparklers away from their body and at arm’s length.
• Teach children not to wave sparklers, especially wooden stick sparklers, or run while holding sparklers.
***Remember, fireworks and sparklers can be dangerous, causing serious burn and eye injuries. You can help us prevent fireworks-related injuries and deaths. Have a Safe and Happy Celebration this year!
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