National Fireworks Safety Week
June 28 – July 4, 2024 is National Fireworks Safety Week!
Celebrate responsibly and prevent burns and fires during National Fireworks Safety Week!
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) 66% of all fireworks related injuries occur during the two weeks surrounding the 4th of July. In 2023, there were 9,700 fireworks related injuries treated in the ER and 8 deaths. 42% of injuries are due to burns. Nearly 22% of injuries due to fireworks occur to the head, face and ears, while 35% injure the hands. Further, nearly 1,900 fires are started due to fireworks.
Children between the ages of 15 and 19 represent the majority of these injuries, followed buy children between the ages of 5 and 9. Sparklers and Children do not mix… Did you know that sparklers burn around 2,000 ℉ and are responsible for approximately 25% of Emergency Room visits? (for reference, glass melts at 900 ℉). Instead of using sparklers, use light sticks!
If you choose to celebrate with fireworks this year, follow these recommendations to limit your risk of injury.
Use only legal fireworks.
Use fireworks in areas clear of fire risk, follow local restrictions.
Have a water-filled bucket handy to extinguish fireworks that misfire or are spent. Do not attempt to re-ignite fireworks that fail.
Keep observers well away from the firework launch site.
Protect unused fireworks from accidental ignition.
Do not point fireworks at anyone, aim them in a safe direction away from people, vehicles, and buildings.
Ignite fireworks one at a time.
Never allow children to play with fireworks.
Do not mix alcohol and fireworks!
Be sensible, follow safe practices and recreate responsibly this Independence day!