Safe and Spectacular: Tips to celebrate safely

For many families, setting off fireworks is a favorite summer tradition, especially on or around the Fourth of July, but fireworks are unpredictable. It's essential that parents keep children far away from where those fireworks are set off.  

A 2022 poll of more than 2,000 parents of children ages 3-18 was conducted and suggests that some parents may need to be more diligent to ensure a safe environment that minimizes these risks and protects children from firework injuries. Only 1 in 5 said children stayed at least 100 feet away from where fireworks were being set off, and one-third said their children or teens helped set off fireworks in the past two years. 

A new report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) finds a significant upward trend in fireworks-related injuries. Between 2006 and 2021, injuries with fireworks climbed 25% in the U.S., according to CPSC estimates. In 2021, at least nine people died, and an estimated 11,500 were injured in incidents involving fireworks. 

While some parents believe sparklers are less dangerous, they burn at 1,000 degrees and can cause serious burns if not handled properly. 

We recommend following these fireworks safety tips to keep kids safe: 

• Stand back. Stay at least 100 feet away from where any fireworks are set off.  

• If setting off your own fireworks, buy legal ones that are clearly labeled for consumer use and follow directions and safety guidelines carefully.  

• Wear goggles or other eye protection and keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of a fire. 

• Only light one firework at a time and don’t try to relight the duds. Wait until fireworks cool before picking them up, possibly even the next day. 

• Education and communication are key. Consider your child's age and maturity level before allowing them to use sparklers. Teach children how to hold sparklers below the point where they will burn down and to put the sparkler in a bucket of water after use. Make sure they wear shoes to prevent burns if they step on a used sparkler. 

• Have first aid ready. For a minor burn, place a towel soaked in cool water over the area for about five minutes. Then cover with a clean bandage and give acetaminophen to reduce pain and swelling. 

• For a major burn, or if the burn involves eyes, go immediately to the emergency department. 

Make sure that you and your family are taking the proper precautions this Fourth of July, especially involving fireworks! Remember to be responsible, pay attention, and be ready for potential burns.