During the summer, fireworks become a fascination for people of all ages, especially children. However, some people do not realize how dangerous fireworks, even sparklers, can be.
Make your holiday and summer safe, and make sure you and your family take precautions when around fireworks.
Show AllAll fireworks are dangerous; every type of legally available firework has caused serious injury or death. In 2009, there were about 8,800 injuries caused by fireworks requiring treatment in an emergency room. Even sparklers, which are considered safe by many, can be very dangerous; they reach temperatures of more than 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
A few states ban all fireworks; however, some fireworks are legal in most states. Each state has its own laws so make sure to check the laws related to fireworks for your state.
- Burns
- Hand and finger injuries
- Head injuries
- Eye injuries
- Hearing loss
Preventing Injuries
- Leave fireworks to the professionals.
- Never allow children to play with or light fireworks, even sparklers
- Older children who decide to use fireworks should always be supervised by an adult
- Only buy from reliable sellers
- Use outdoors only
- Always read and follow all warnings and label instructions
- Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks
- Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves and grass, and other things that may catch on fire
- Never try to relight "dud" fireworks that have not fully functioned; if it does not go off, wait 15 minutes and soak the firework in water
- Keep water handy (a garden hose and a bucket) in case of a malfunction or a fire
- Never experiment or make your own fireworks
- Light only one firework at a time
- If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place
- Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trashcan (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water)
- Never throw or point fireworks at other people, animals, or buildings that can catch on fire
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket
- Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
- The shooter should always wear eye and ear protection and never have any part of the body over the firework
- Stay away from illegal explosives
- Use long match sticks to light the fireworks, not lighters or cigarettes
- Never shorten or lengthen the fuse
- Never place any part of your body over a firecracker when lighting it
- Observe all local laws
For additional information on this or any Safety and Injury Prevention Health Topic, please call Trauma Services, 513-636-7865.
