The U.S. Fire Administration, is strongly urging all residents to practice extra caution and safety during the upcoming July 4 activities.
There have been thousands of serious fireworks-related incidents, which typically injure eyes, heads and hands each year. Sparklers, fire crackers and bottle rockets are the leading contributors to these injuries.
“Fireworks account for a large number of preventable fires and injuries,” said USFA Acting Administrator Glenn Gaines. “Firefighters everywhere know too well the Fourth of July is a dangerous time for unnecessary fires and serious burns and injuries.”
If fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:
- Observe local laws.
- Keep a bucket of water handy in case of a malfunction or fire.
- Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. Many consider sparklers to be ideal "safe" fireworks for the young, but they burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing. Children cannot understand the danger involved and cannot act appropriately in case of emergency.
- Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. Never shoot fireworks at or near another person.
- Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
- Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
- Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
- Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
- Never have any portion of your body directly over fireworks while lighting.
- Don’t experiment with homemade fireworks.
“Parents and caregivers play a critical role in keeping children safe during this national holiday observance. Fireworks should be used with extreme caution,” Gaines said.
“Older children should be closely supervised and carefully instructed in the safe handling of legal fireworks. Sparklers and firecrackers may seem relatively safe, but even those types of fireworks are especially harmful to children. And younger children should not be allowed to play with fireworks at all.”
