Fireworks Safety Tips
Fireworks-Related Burn Injuries Facts
In 2009, firework devices were involved in two deaths and nearly 9,000 injuries treated in hospital emergency departments in the U.S.
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More than half of all injuries were burns. Two-thirds of injuries occur in the days surrounding the July 4th holiday.
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Children under age 15 are at greatest risk of injury,
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Eight out of every 100 injuries required hospitalization.
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Firecrackers and sparklers accounted for more than one-third of all injuries. Rockets, fountains, and roman candles also accounted for injuries.
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Sparklers and rockets accounted for three-fourths of injuries to children under age five.
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Recommendations to Help Prevent Fireworks-Related Injuries
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Before using fireworks, be sure they are permitted. Check with your local police or fire department to determine what fireworks can be legally discharged in your area.
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Use fireworks outdoors only
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Read all warnings and instructions.
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Never allow children under 12 to handle or ignite fireworks. Even sparklers burn at 2,000° F!
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Be sure other people are out of range and warned before lighting fireworks.
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Never hold fireworks while trying to ignite them
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Light only one firework at a time and then move away quickly.
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Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from houses. Never light fireworks near dry leaves, brush, or flammable materials.
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Never try to relight fireworks that have not functioned properly.
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Keep a bucket of water nearby in case of a malfunction.
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Contact the fire department if a fire starts.
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This information brought to you by the Oklahoma State Department of Health and National Council On Fireworks Safety, Inc.
