Fireworks Safety
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.
Are fireworks a big safety problem?
All fireworks are dangerous; every type of legally available firework has caused serious injury or death. In 2003, there were about 9,300 injuries caused by fireworks requiring treatment in an emergency room; this was up from 8,800 in 2002. Two thirds of these injuries occur in the days around July 4th, and 15% of the victims are innocent bystanders. Each year there are more than 20,000 fires caused by fireworks causing injuries and property damage. Even sparklers, which are considered safe by many, can be very dangerous; they reach temperatures of more than 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. About 2/3 of injuries due to sparklers are to children less than 5 years old.
Learn More:
Radio Segment
Steve Muething, MD, associate director of clinical services in the Division of General and Community Pediatrics, can be heard weekly on Your Child's Health. On August 3, 2004, he spoke about Trauma and Injury Prevention. Listen to this segment:
Are fireworks legal?
A few states ban all fireworks; however, some fireworks are legal in most states. Each state has its own laws. In Ohio, fireworks like sparklers and trick noisemakers are legal. If the fireworks are bought in Ohio, the buyer must agree to take them out of the state within 48 hours. Nearly 85% of fireworks injuries are from fireworks that consumers are permitted to use such as bottle rockets, sparklers and Roman candles.
Who is most likely to be injured by fireworks?
About 75% of these injuries occur in males, and more than 60% occur in children less than 19 years old. In 2003, boys between 5 and 9 years old had about 9 times higher risk of injury than all other ages. Typically in the past, however, boys 10-14 years old have had the highest risk.
What are common injuries from fireworks?
- Burns, broken bones, and loss of fingers are most common
- Nearly 2/3 of all injuries involve burns
- Hand and finger injuries make up about half of all fireworks injuries
- Head injuries account for more than 1/3 of injuries
- Eye injuries account for 20% of injuries, 1/3 of which result in permanent blindness
- Hearing loss
How can you prevent these injuries from happening?
Leave fireworks to the professionals. If fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:
- 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 firecracker 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
Contact Us
For additional information on this or any Safety and Injury Prevention Health Topic, please call Trauma Services, 513-636-7865.
Rev. 12/05
