Every year Fire Departments respond to emergencies where the use of fireworks has injured someone.
The Consumer Product SafetyCommission (CPSC) 2017 report states an estimated 12,900 firework-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments. Of those, 36 percent were people younger than 15 years of age. Children 10 to 14 years of age had the highest estimated rate of emergency treated firework-related injuries, while young adults aged 20-24 years of age had the second highest estimated rate.
A third of those injuries are to hands and limbs. Sadly, many parents remain unaware of the potential dangers of fireworks, especially when it comes to sparklers. A sparkler burns at a temperature of 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit and can easily cause a third-degree burn, especially to a young child.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) advised 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.
The best way to protect your family is not to use fireworks at home – period. The Bullhead City Fire Department recommends attending public firework shows and leaving the lighting to the professionals!
If you do choose to use fireworks, please follow these safety guidelines:
- Fireworks should only be used under adult supervision.
- Fireworks should only be used outdoors on a driveway, sidewalk or other Fire-Resistant surface. Remember, fires are caused by careless handling of fireworks in areas exposed to sparks or live fireworks.
- NEVER ignite fireworks during high winds where flying sparks can start a fire.
- Keep a bucket of water handy in case sparks start a fire.
- Be sure children around fireworks know to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches on fire.
- Deposit sparklers in a metal container as they may be stepped on while hot or lost in the grass and stepped on while playing.
- NEVER try to re-ignite fireworks that malfunction or fail to go off.
- DO NOT wear loose clothing when using fireworks.
- NEVER experiment or make your own fireworks.
