Most everyone loves fireworks, especially for Independence Day. We look forward to our towns’ annual fireworks displays every July. Others like to get in on the fireworks action themselves. Before you begin the show, be aware of the dangers. Read on to learn the facts and how you can be safe this year, and every year, by being careful with fireworks.
Perhaps you know a couple of people who provide the unofficial fireworks display for your neighborhood every July 4. You may be thinking, what’s the big deal about shooting off a few bottle rockets or lighting some firecrackers? The fact is, fireworks are dangerous, and injury statistics prove it.
You may have heard a few stories about serious injuries or property damage caused by amateurs using fireworks. It turns out those stories are not one-offs, or anomalies. Case after case shows that it takes only a split second to get a severe burn, a debilitating injury, or worse, from fireworks. Seasonal fire and burn statistics bear this out, year after year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Fire Protection Association.
The numbers are scary
Just how dangerous are fireworks? Every year, thousands of people are seriously injured. This includes both the people who are handling them as well as spectators. In its 2021 Fireworks Annual Report, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recorded more than 11,500 people needing emergency treatment in the hospital for fireworks-related injuries. Injuries to hands and fingers made up the most injuries (31%), with injuries to the head, face and ears comprising 21%. Burns made up about 32% of the injuries treated in emergency departments. Approximately 1,500 injuries were related to use of firecrackers and 1,100 involved sparklers.
Fireworks also cause thousands of fires and other property damage each year. In 2021, fireworks started approximately 12,264 fires (including structures, vehicles and other fires), according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Are they legal?
Most states allow the use of at least some types of consumer fireworks. Illinois is one of the most restrictive states. All fireworks are illegal except sparklers and a few novelty items. And individual towns and cities within Illinois have the option to put in place even stronger restrictions. For example, all types of fireworks, including sparklers, are banned in Chicago. Check your local government’s website to find out your town’s restrictions.
Just as with the “real” (professional grade) fireworks, consumer-grade fireworks should be handled with extreme care. Closely supervise children if you choose to let them use sparklers or other small novelty items such as snappers (thrown on the ground for a “pop”).
Sparklers are not safe for children (or anyone). They can remain hot enough to seriously burn you long after having gone out, so be careful to wait a long time before picking them up, or better yet, immediately submerge them under water (keep a bucket of water close by, for safe dousing). Keep very small children away altogether. Also, like any high-temperature material, a sparkler can, and will, start a fire. Learn many more safety tips on how to be careful with fireworks from the CPSC.
This July 4 promises to be a wonderful celebration. Enjoy the fantastic fireworks display near your town. And please be careful if you decide to handle fireworks. Stay safe and protect your loved ones so you can all enjoy your holiday.
by Kris A. Mainellis and Jack Mainellis
