Firework Safety
As we enter into the holiday weekend, many people are starting to stock up on fireworks for the Fourth of July. While it can be a fun way to celebrate, it’s important to keep safety in mind so no one gets hurt. Here are some safety tips from our Fire Prevention Officer Matt Gallman to help keep you and your family safe.
Each year, thousands of people (most often children) are seriously injured shooting fireworks. If not used properly, fireworks can cause bad burns, serious fires and even death.
Even a sparkler can burn hot enough (1200 degrees) to cause third degree burns. Sparklers, which are usually used by small children, account for more than one-quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries.
It is best to leave the fireworks up to the professionals! Here are
BE CAREFUL
- Be safe. If you want to see fireworks, go to a public show put on by experts.
- Do not use consumer fireworks.
- Keep a close eye on children at events where fireworks are used.
FIREWORK FUN FACTS
- Fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires. These fires caused an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and an average of $43 million in direct property damage.
- In 2015, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 11,900 people for fireworks-related injuries; 51% of those injuries were to the extremities and 41% were to the head. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for one-quarter (26%) of the estimated 2015 injuries. These injury estimates were obtained or derived from the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2015 Fireworks Annual Report by Yongling Tu.