As we gather with friends and family to celebrate the birth of our nation, it seems like the perfect time to go over firework safety tips. The 4th of July is one of the biggest holidays for fireworks and firework-related injuries. First and foremost, we recommend that the best way to avoid firework-related injuries is to leave the fireworks to the professionals! There are so many beautiful public displays that you and your family can enjoy. Take advantage of them!

But, realistically, many of you out there will provide firework displays of your own. If that is the case, please be safe out there and make sure to find out if fireworks are even legal in your state. Here are some firework safety tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to keep in mind this July 4th:

  • Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks!
  • Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
  • Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
  • Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
  • Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
  • 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 back quickly.
  • Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
  • After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
  • Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

The CPSC also put together the below infographic, summarizing its findings regarding firework injuries from 2012. It’s worth checking out. Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog. Have a safe & happy 4th of July!