Fireworks Safety

Fireworks can be a great entertainment, if interacted with safely. When not handled appropriately, fireworks cause immense damage. Every year, an average of around 17,000 fires are caused by fireworks, and thousands of injuries! Here are a few tips for you to consider as we prepare to celebrate the 4th of July!

The best way to protect your family from fireworks is to not use them personally. Find a local event put on by professionals. In some areas, it's not even legal to use them privately - always check with local law enforcement.

Never let kids handle fireworks.

Never use illegal (legal fireworks will have a clear label with the manufacturer's name and directions) or homemade fireworks. If it's described as an "M Class" firework, do not use it!

If you give kids sparklers, realize they burn at close to 2,000 degrees. Keep them outside, instruct the kids to not hold them near hair, clothing, or any other flammable material. Sparklers have caused severe burns on children if dropped; consider not allowing younger children to handle them.

Wear eye protection and hand protection if you're managing fireworks. Never attempt to launch a firework from your hand.

Never point a firework at a person, animal, or structure. Always shoot fireworks straight up into the sky.

Always have multiple sources of water nearby in the event a fire does start.

Again, we only recommend you watch professionally handled fireworks displays. We advise against personal use of fireworks.

Sources:

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/fireworks.html

http://www.fireworkssafety.org/safety-tips/

https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/fireworks