Introduction

Fireworks are a popular way to celebrate summer holidays and special occasions, but they can also be dangerous if not used properly. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated 9,100 people were injured by fireworks in 2020, with the majority of injuries occurring in the month leading up to and including July 4th. These injuries range from minor burns and cuts to more severe injuries such as loss of fingers and blindness. Children and young adults are at the highest risk for fireworks-related injuries.

To ensure that your fireworks display is safe and enjoyable, it’s important to follow these safety tips.

Do Not Allow Young Children to Handle Fireworks: First and foremost, never allow young children to handle fireworks. Children do not have the maturity or understanding to handle fireworks safely, and are at a much higher risk of injury.

Older Children Should Use Fireworks Under Adult Supervision: Older children should only use fireworks under close adult supervision, and should be taught to respect the power of the devices.

Do Not Use Fireworks While Impared by Drugs or Alcohol: Another important safety tip is to never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Impairment can affect judgement and reaction times, making it much more likely that accidents will occur.

Use Protective Eyewear: When using fireworks, it’s also important to wear protective eyewear. The sparks and debris from fireworks can cause serious eye injuries, so it’s essential to protect your eyes at all times.

Do Not Hold Fireworks in Your Hands: Holding lighted fireworks in your hands is also a no-no. Fireworks should always be placed on the ground or in a suitable container before being lit. Holding fireworks in one’s hands is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Fireworks are explosive devices that can cause serious injury or death if not handled properly. Holding fireworks in your hand increases the risk of burns, cuts, and loss of fingers or hands.  Additionally, fireworks are often unpredictable and can malfunction or be affected by wind or other environmental factors. It is best to always light fireworks at a safe distance and to never hold them in your hands.

Do Not Light Fireworks Indoors: Never light them indoors and only use them in open areas, away from people, houses, and flammable materials. Lighting fireworks indoors is extremely dangerous and should never be done. Fireworks produce heat, flames, and sparks, which can easily start a fire and quickly spread in an indoor setting. The enclosed space of a building can also cause a build-up of smoke, which can be toxic and lead to suffocation. Additionally, the sound of fireworks indoors can be deafening and can cause permanent hearing damage. Another important factor to consider is that fireworks are not designed to be used indoors, they are meant to be used in an open space, where they can safely burn and release sparks and smoke. In an indoor setting, it can lead to dangerous situations such as fireworks being shot in directions unintended, causing serious injuries or damage to property. Therefore, it is important to always follow the instructions and use fireworks outdoors in a clear open area and away from buildings, trees and other flammable materials.

Consider Alternatives to Sparklers: Sparklers are often considered a safe and harmless form of fireworks, but they can actually be quite dangerous, especially for young children. Sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures, up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, which can easily cause severe burns or start a fire if not handled properly. Children often do not have the maturity or coordination to handle sparklers safely, and may accidentally drop or wave them around, causing injury to themselves or others Additionally, sparklers can be easily mistaken for a toy, leading to children playing with them unsupervised. Parents should be aware that Sparklers can cause serious injuries and should be used with adult supervision An alternative to sparklers are safer options such as glow sticks, confetti poppers, or colored streamers. These items are not combustible and do not burn at high temperatures. They are also less likely to be mistaken for toys, and can provide a fun and safe way for children to enjoy the holiday.

Do Not Point or Throw Fireworks at Another Person: Another important point to note is that fireworks should never be pointed or thrown at another person. This is not only dangerous but also illegal in many states.

Light One Device at a Time: It is important to only light one piece of fireworks at a time because lighting multiple fireworks at once can lead to serious accidents. When multiple fireworks are lit at the same time, it can be difficult to keep track of which firework is burning, and which is next to be lit. This can increase the risk of injury or fire as it can be hard to predict the direction and trajectory of the fireworks. Additionally, lighting multiple fireworks at once can lead to a buildup of smoke and ash, which can make it difficult to see, and can also be harmful to inhale. By lighting one piece of fireworks at a time, it allows you to be more in control of the situation and reduce the risk of accidents.

Maintain a Safe Distance After Lighting: Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.

Do Not Ignite Fireworks in a Container: Also, never ignite devices in a container, that has the potential to cause a dangerous explosion.

Do Not Attempt to Relight Malfunctioning Fireworks: If you have malfunctioning fireworks, do not try to relight them, or handle them in any way. It is not safe to attempt to relight malfunctioning fireworks. When a firework malfunctions, it means that it has not functioned as it was intended to, and it could be unpredictable in its behavior. If a firework has malfunctioned and does not ignite or has malfunctioned once it has been lit, it is important not to attempt to relight it. Relighting a malfunctioning firework can cause it to explode unexpectedly, leading to serious injuries or damage to property. A malfunctioning firework can also be damaged, and relighting it could cause it to break apart or explode in an unpredictable manner. Additionally, malfunctioning fireworks can be caused by defects in the manufacturing process, or by environmental factors such as wind or moisture. Relighting them would not solve the problem and can make things worse. If a firework does not ignite, or malfunctions, it is best to leave it alone, and to dispose of it properly by soaking it in water and placing it in a metal trash can away from flammable materials. It is always a good idea to have an adult supervision and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Soak Spent and Unused Fireworks in Water Before Discarding Them: Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding them.

Keep a Bucker of Water Nearby: Additionally, Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire. And lastly, never use illegal fireworks. They may be cheaper or more powerful, but the risks are not worth it. Illegal fireworks are often made with dangerous and unstable chemicals and can cause serious injuries or even death.

Conclusion

By following these safety tips, you can enjoy a fun and safe fireworks display with your friends and family. Remember to always use fireworks responsibly and to practice caution to avoid any unnecessary accidents.