According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2024, eleven people died and over 14,500 were injured badly enough to require emergency medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents. 25-44 year olds accounted for most injuries, followed by 15-24 year olds. Burns to the hands and fingers were the most common areas of injury, followed by the head, face, and ears.
The only safe way to view fireworks is to attend a professional show.
If You Choose to Use Legal Fireworks:
If consumer fireworks are legal to buy where you live and you choose to use them, be sure to follow the following safety tips:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks;
- Older children should use them 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 them indoors;
- Only use them away from people, houses, pets, and flammable material;
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person or a pet;
- 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; and
- Never use illegal fireworks.
STAY ALERT…DON’T GET HURT!!
Download flyer: STOTW_1327_Fireworks_Safety Download Spanish flyer: STOTW_1327_Fireworks_Safety_esp
