Summer is the time of year for barbecues, parades and fireworks displays. Along with all the festivities are plenty of visits to emergency rooms.
Every year, there are serious injuries and fatalities related to fireworks. While the majority of these incidents are due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade or other illegal fireworks or explosives, almost half are from legal, less powerful devices. Fireworks also are responsible for thousands of home fires each year. The National Fire Protection Association reports that on average, fireworks cause about 1,300 structure fires. Not many people consider the hazards when using fireworks. It is best to leave the use of fireworks to the professionals. Please do not become another statistic of firework-related incidents.
Recommended Fireworks Safety Tips
- Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
- Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
- A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
- Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
- Do not attempt to light a firework with a short fuse/wick.
- Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
- Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
- Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
- Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
- Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
- Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
- FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
- Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.
- Lastly, Stay away from all consumer fireworks and enjoy fireworks at a public display conducted by seasoned professionals.
Sources: National Safety Council and The National Council on Fireworks Safety
The Safety Moment bulletin is a periodic communication on safety issues from the G4S Americas Safety Group.
