Fireworks are common around Independence Day and can add a fun and colorful element to the holiday. Fireworks and sparklers can also be dangerous if you are not careful. The majority of injuries caused by fireworks are burns and eye injuries. Use precaution and if you do get burned, take action immediately.

Enjoy the show!

The best way to stay safe while enjoying fireworks is to leave them to the experts.

• Check the days and times for fireworks in your area
• Leave pets at home, as they may become frightened
• Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on
• Use insect repellent to keep pests away
• Keep plenty of distance between yourself and the area where fireworks are being set off

Celebrate Safely

If consumer fireworks are legal (check your state’s law) to buy where you live and you choose to use them, be sure to follow the following safety tips:

• Never allow young children to handle 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 hands
• Never light them indoors
• 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 ignite devices in a container
• Do not try 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 fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire
• Never use illegal fireworks

Sparklers are Dangerous

Every year, young children can be found along parade routes and at festivals with sparklers in hand, but sparklers are a lot more dangerous than most people think.

Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing, and children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries. For children under 5 years of age, sparklers accounted for nearly half of the total estimated injuries.

Consider using safer alternatives, such as glow sticks, confetti poppers, or colored streamers.

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