Firework Related Injuries

Fireworks are something that many people, kids and adults alike, look forward to year after year. Unfortunately, emergency rooms across the United States treat an average of 10,500 people for fireworks related injuries yearly. Fireworks are also responsible for an average of 1,400 home and 200 vehicle fires per year.

More fires are reported on Independence Day than on any other day of the year and fireworks are responsible for half of these fires. Some facts about the injuries include:

• 5-7 people die every year due to firework accidents nationwide.
• The majority of injuries were to the head and the hands.
• Over half of these injuries were burns.
• A third of fireworks injuries happen to children 5 and under.
• Over 90% of fireworks injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms involve fireworks that Federal regulations permit consumers to use.

Staying Safe

To keep safe when lighting fireworks this year, follow these guidelines:

• Never allow children to light fireworks.
• Sparklers burn at 1200 degrees F or higher; if you are using them, please do the following:
  • Always have close adult supervision.
  • Don’t give sparklers to children under the age of 5 years (Children this age are unlikely to comprehend and understand sparkler safety and they have shorter arms which means they can’t hold a sparkler far enough away.)
  • Place used sparklers in a bucket of water.
  • Avoid loose clothing and always wear shoes
• Never try to relight “dud” fireworks. Leave them alone for 30 minutes before approaching.
• Keep a garden hose nearby just in case of malfunction or fire.
• Maintain a safe distance.
• Always light fireworks on a hard level surface (preferably concrete).
• Avoid alcohol when using fireworks.
• Keep your pets on a leash.

Fireworks can easily cause fires, severe burns, and even death if not careful. Let’s all do our part to be extra careful this year to avoid becoming another statistic.