As we gather for Fourth of July celebrations this weekend, please remember to celebrate safely. Each year, thousands of people are injured while using consumer fireworks. Many of those injured are children and teens. In addition, fireworks start thousands of fires each year — causing millions of dollars in direct property damage. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an estimated 19,500 fires in the U.S. were started by fireworks in 2018.

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. It’s safest to enjoy public fireworks displays that are conducted by professionals who take proper safety precautions.

The CPSC’s Fireworks Injuries poster includes tips on fireworks safety and is available in both English and Spanish.

• View the English poster: https://cpsc-d8-media-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/.../Fireworks...
• View the Spanish poster: https://cpsc-d8-media-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/.../Fireworks...

Credit to: CPSC and NFPA

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