Fireworks Safety

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Each year in the U.S. 13,000 people are treated in emergency rooms because of severe injuries from malfunction or careless use of fireworks. (1)

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks result in more than $41 million in direct property damage annually.

How and Why Do These Injuries Occur?

  • Availability of fireworks.
  • Unsupervised use.
  • Lack of physical coordination.
  • Fireworks type.
  • Experimentation.
  • Being too close when the fireworks go off.

Safety Tips from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

  • Prohibit children under age 14 from using fireworks and supervise older children.
  • Read and follow all warning instructions.
  • Use fireworks outdoors only and away from houses and flammable materials.
  • Keep a bucket of water ready.
  • Do not try to relight or handle malfuctioning fireworks, soak them with water and throw them away.
  • Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
  • Never ignite fireworks in a container (especially a glass or metal container).
  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place according to special storage instructions.

References

1. US Consumer Product Safety Commission, from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System.

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