With the Fourth of July upon us, it is important for everyone to prioritize firework safety. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission stated that, “In 2024, there were 11 reported fireworks-related deaths” and “an estimated 14,700 people were injured by fireworks.” This has increased to “about 38% in deaths and about 52% in injuries respectively compared to 2023.”
There are many common mistakes that individuals can make when using fireworks. These include:
Not Following Safety Guidelines
You should always check your local laws before you purchase and use fireworks. This is important because some fireworks might be more dangerous in your area than others. You also should make sure that you are using the fireworks in a safe location, with the right equipment, and you are fully reading the instructions.
Relighting Malfunctioning Fireworks
One way that many people get injured is by trying to relight a firework that is has delayed going off. This is because the firework can explode unexpectedly, leading to burns, loss of body parts, and other injuries. If your firework has not gone off, you should wait at least 20 minutes before you touch it again, and then soak it in water thoroughly and dispose of properly.
Standing Too Close
One should always make sure that they are not too close to fireworks while they are going off. You should also make sure that for ground-based fireworks, you should leave a perimeter of 35 feet. For aerial fireworks, you should stay at least 150 feet away. Depending on the firework, there might need to be even more distance, so you should always do your research before you start to light them off.
Holding Fireworks in Your Hand
Never hold a firework in your hand while you are lighting them off. This is the one way that many people lose their fingers or get burned. You should instead secure the firework on the round, so it is not too close to anyone or could tip over. It should be lit with a stem lighter, like one that you use for grills. You also should make sure that you only light one firework at a time.
Pointing Fireworks and Sparklers at Others
You should never point a firework or sparkler at anyone else. This includes setting the firework on the ground pointing towards anyone or if you have a handheld firework. Roman Candle Wars are very popular, and many people think that they are safe to shoot at each other. It is still dangerous to shoot at other people and should be avoided during your Fourth of July celebrations.
Lack of Water Nearby
When having your own firework show, you should make sure to have a water source nearby. This will be used for fireworks that malfunctioned or have already gone off. Putting the fireworks in water will ensure that there isn’t a spark left behind that could catch fire.
Being Incapacitated While Using Fireworks
If you are using fireworks while you are incapacitated, either through alcohol use, drug use, etc., can be extremely dangerous. It is important to make sure if you are ever handling anything explosive that you have a full grasp of yourself and your facilities.
Allowing Children to Use Fireworks
It can be tempting to let your children help you with fireworks, but it is always a better idea to wait until they are older. A firework can be unpredictable, but also extremely dangerous if not handled correctly. Allow your children to enjoy the fireworks from a safe distance.
If you have been injured, there are some steps that you should take afterward.
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