As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, fireworks safety is critical — please remember to celebrate safely.

In 2020, the nation saw a large increase in the number of people being hurt and killed by fireworks. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many municipalities cancelled July 4th public fireworks displays, which may have spurred consumers to use fireworks on their own.

A report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that in 2020, at least 18 people died from non-occupational fireworks-related deaths. It’s also estimated that about 15,600 people were treated in hospital emergency departments for fireworks injuries — of those injuries, 66% occurred during a one-month period surrounding the July 4th holiday. Firecrackers were the biggest source of ER-treated fireworks injuries (1,600), followed by sparklers (900).

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has a few tips on how to celebrate safely with fireworks:

• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use
• Never allow young children to play with, or ignite, fireworks. This includes sparklers which burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit — hot enough to melt some metals
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move away quickly
• Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks
• Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device
• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs

Remember that fireworks can be dangerous — even if they’re legal.

The CPSC’s Fireworks Injuries poster includes tips on fireworks safety and is available in both English and Spanish.
View the English poster: https://www.cpsc.gov/.../fuel-lighters.../fireworks-injuries
View the Spanish poster: https://www.cpsc.gov/es/Safety-Education/Safety-Guides/fuel-lighters-and-fireworks/fuegos-artificiales-–-lesiones-y-muertes

Credit to: CPSC