With the Fourth of July fast approaching, many Americans are looking forward to celebrating their patriotism by lighting fireworks. But fireworks are not a carefree activity. Each year, thousands of Americans, particularly children and young people, are injured in fireworks-related injuries.
Ten out of the fifty states in the United States ban the use of consumer fireworks entirely. But in the remaining forty states, consumers are allowed to purchase some types of fireworks for personal use. In 1998, seven thousand people were injured in fireworks-related injuries. While that number reflected a decrease in injuries from the year before, it still shows an alarming number of injuries due to fireworks.
The types of injuries involved with fireworks tend to include burns on the fingers, hands, wrists, and arms. Fireworks such as sparklers burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough for the sparks to ignite clothing, hair, or parts of the body.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a report about firework use, condemning the use of illegal or homemade fireworks, citing higher incidences of related injuries. According to the report, close to one third of the injuries associated with fireworks in the last ten years have been caused by illegally made or homemade fireworks.
If you are in a state that permits the use of legal fireworks, exercise caution. By following a few simple safety tips, you can increase your chances of having an incident free celebration on the fourth.
Safety Tips for Fireworks Use
- Read all labels and warnings, and follow the directions on the package.
- Do not let children use fireworks unattended. Make sure that an adult is supervising the children at all times.
- Avoid alcohol if you are using fireworks.
- Make sure to have a bucket of water handy before lighting fireworks.
- Light fuses away from all children and pets.
- Do not relight fireworks that have difficulty lighting or appear to be defective.
- Do not hold fireworks while they are lit. This includes sparklers.
- Immerse used fireworks in water before discarding them.
- Use safety goggles while handling fireworks.
Sources:
National Council on Fireworks Safety
