Tips for Keeping Children Safe Around Fireworks
The Comprehensive Children’s Injury Center (CCIC) provides the following fireworks safety tips to help parents become better informed on injury prevention tips.
- All fireworks are potentially dangerous and can cause injury.
- Children age 5 to 9 years have the highest injury rate.
- Sparklers can burn at temperatures over 1000 degrees F and can easily set clothing on fire and cause serious burns.
- It is strongly recommended that fireworks only be used by professionals.
- If you choose to use fireworks, please follow these tips:
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Read and follow all warnings and instructions before use.
- Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass, and flammable materials.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that do not go off.
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
- Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
- Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially in a glass or metal container
- Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
- Store fireworks in a dry, cool place.
- Never have any part of your body directly over a firework while lighting.
- Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
IMPORTANT TIP: Make sure you know what your local laws are. Many states do not allow the use of fireworks.
