Why are we worried about fireworks safety?
Every year, more and more people make fireworks a part of their summer holiday plans. This year, more people than ever will probably be either setting off fireworks or watching them. As more and more people learn about fireworks safety, fewer and fewer injuries occur, and less property is damaged. Even so, last year more than 10,000 people went to emergency rooms with fireworks-related injuries, and half of them were under 20 years old. Over half of the injuries were burns, and most injuries were on the hands, eyes, or head. Buildings also catch fire when the shooting type of fireworks lands on the roof or on dry brush or leaves near them. Back to the top. How can I be protect myself, my children and my property from fireworks injury or damage?
Protect yourself, your children and your property from injury damage caused by fireworks by remembering the following rules: - Always buy fireworks from a reputable seller; never experiment and try to build your own firecracker.
- Always read and follow the directions on the fireworks.
- Always keep water nearby, just in case. It is best to have both a bucket and a garden hose.
- Only light fireworks outside, away from houses, dry leaves or grass.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- The person lighting fireworks, especially the shooting kind, should wear eye protection.
- Always have an adult present.
- Never allow small children to hold or play with fireworks. While many think that sparklers are the safest of fireworks, they still burn with an extremely hot flame and could catch clothes on fire or burn skin.
- Older children should only be allowed to set off fireworks under the close supervision of an adult.
- Make sure that anyone watching the fireworks is out of range when you light them. Never throw or point a firework at another person. Never lean over a firework when you are lighting it.
- Light only one firework at a time. Keep unused fireworks away from the lighting area. Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- Do not try to re-light a dud firecracker. The fuse will be too short, and it could blow up and hurt you. Set it aside and dunk it in the bucket of water to make sure it doesn’t have a spark that could cause a delayed explosion, and then throw it away.
- Never light a firework inside a container, especially glass or metal. This could send glass or metal shards flying and do a lot of damage to you and anyone else nearby.
- Always follow your local laws; stay away from illegal explosives.
- When you are done, dunk your used fireworks in the water bucket before throwing them away.
- If you have any left-over fireworks, read the instructions to see if there are any special storage instructions. If not, then store them in a cool, dry place.
Back to the top. How do I know what fireworks (if any) are legal in my city or town?
Contact your local police department to find out what fireworks are legal in your city. Back to the top. What is the difference between a firework (which may or may not be legal in my city) and an illegal explosive device?
It is important to know the difference between legal consumer fireworks and dangerous explosive devices. Items such as M-80’s, M-100’s and blockbusters are not fireworks; they are federally banned explosives that can cause serious injury or even death. They are usually unlabeled, so don’t use any unlabeled fireworks. Likewise, homemade fireworks are extremely dangerous and can be deadly. Never try to make your own by taping several fireworks together or by taking them apart and mixing the powder. You could hurt yourself and those around you badly. Leave making fireworks to the experts. Back to the top. Where can I find more information on fireworks safety?
Two very good resources on fireworks safety are: The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) fireworks safety page; The National Council on Fireworks Safety home page. Back to the top. |
