Fireworks and fireworks safety go together like hotdogs and hamburgers! Summertime is upon us and for many it’s a time for families and friends to gather and watch the sky light up with fireworks. It’s also that time of the year when we hear about injuries sustained from unsafe practices related to improper handling of consumer fireworks. It’s important to maintain safety all season long with proper measures to keep you and your family safe!
The Reason for Fireworks Safety
Consumer fireworks can be very dangerous and cause fires with improper or negligent use. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and nearly 17,000 other fires.
Tips for Home Fireworks Safety
Safety when handling fireworks will help to ensure that your summer is accident-free. Follow the NSC firework safety tips if you choose to use fireworks:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks
- Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
- Never light fireworks indoors
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite devices in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire
- Never use illegal fireworks
Sparkler Fireworks Safety – Need to Know
A special note regarding sparklers: The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) states that sparklers can burn up at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees. According to the NFPA, sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries. For children under 5 years of age, sparklers accounted for nearly half of the total estimated injuries.
Have a Fire Extinguisher Nearby for Fireworks Safety
Remember the P.A.S.S. Technique to operate a fire extinguisher:
- PULL – Pull the pin. This will also break the tamper seal.
- AIM – Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle (or its horn or hose) at the base of the fire.
- SQUEEZE – Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
- SWEEP – Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be extinguished.
Fireworks Safety is Important
The Consumer Product Safety Commission states that 74% of injuries occurred in the weeks before and after the July 4th holiday in 2021. According to their 2021 Fireworks Annual Report, 32% of the injuries were burns to the eyes (14%), head, face, and ears (21%), hands and fingers (31%), and legs, trunk, and arms (34%). They also reported 11,500 people were treated in emergency rooms and nine deaths were from fireworks during that same period.
Lastly, always follow local laws and regulations regarding fireworks. Be mindful of your pets and keep them indoors to avoid traumatizing them.
Practice Fireworks Safety and Enjoy
One of the best way to enjoy fireworks is to consider leaving the fireworks show to the professionals and enjoy being a spectator!
Also Read : Summer Safety – Pets and Fireworks
