Fireworks Safety Tips

The Fourth of July is synonymous with outdoor parades, barbecues, and fireworks displays. Unfortunately, along with all the fun, there are many trips to the emergency room. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, two people died and over 10,000 others were hospitalized due to firework-related injuries in 2019. Many of these injuries are related to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade or other illegal fireworks or explosives, and thousands more were from less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers. This holiday follow these safety tips for a safe and happy 4th:

Supervise Children & Teens

The first step is to monitor young people when they are using fireworks carefully. An adult should be present to ensure the following of local laws and restrictions, as well as prevent any unsafe behavior such as holding a lit firework or standing too close to an ignited one. An adult should also keep the following safety tips in mind, as should anybody handling fireworks.

Read the labels

There are several different kinds of fireworks, and each behaves differently. Go over the label on the firework or on the box to understand how that specific one should act upon ignition.

Wear safety glasses

Protective eyewear will help