Firework Safety

Consumer Fireworks Safety

"There's not a safe way to use consumer fireworks without a substantial risk."

National Fire Protection Association. www.nfpa.org

Get the Facts

On Independence Day in a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for half of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.

In 2007, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,800 people for fireworks related injuries; 56% of 2007 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 36% were to the head.

The risk of fireworks injury was two-and-a-half times as high for children ages 5-9 or 10-14 as for the general population.

National Fire Protection Association. Web. Jun 2010. <http://www.nfpa.org>.

Did you know. . .

The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees – this is hot enough to cause third degree burns.

92% of the fireworks injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms involved fireworks that Federal regulations permit consumers to use.

"Focus on Fire Safety: Fireworks." U.S. Fire Administration Home Page. Web. Jun 2010. <http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/fireworks.shtm>.

Why Some Injuries Occur

Availability: In spite of federal regulations and varying state prohibitions, many types of fireworks are still accessible to the public. Distributors often sell fireworks near state borders, where laws prohibiting sales on either side of the border may differ.
Fireworks type: Among the various types of fireworks, some of which are sold legally in some states, bottle rockets can fly into peoples' faces and cause eye injuries; sparklers can ignite clothing (sparklers burn at more than 1,000°F); and firecrackers can injure the hands or face if they explode at close range.
Being too close: Injuries may result from being too close to fireworks when they explode; for example, when someone leans over to look more closely at a firework that has been ignited, or when a misguided bottle rocket hits a nearby person.
Curiosity: Children are often excited and curious around fireworks, which can increase their chances of being injured (for example, when they re-examine a firecracker dud that initially fails to ignite).
Experimentation: Homemade fireworks (for example, ones made of the powder from several firecrackers) can lead to dangerous and unpredictable explosions.

"Focus on Fire Safety: Fireworks." U.S. Fire Administration Home Page. Web. Jun 2010. <http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/fireworks.shtm>.

Proceed with Caution!

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.
Kids should never play with fireworks.
Steer clear of others — fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction.
Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.
Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run loose or get injured.

"Focus on Fire Safety: Fireworks." U.S. Fire Administration Home Page. Web. Jun 2010. <http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/fireworks.shtm>.
National Fire Protection Association. Web. Jun 2010. <http://www.nfpa.org>.