With the Fourth of July approaching, fireworks are a staple as part of many celebrations.
However, fireworks start an average of 19,000 fires each year. Knowing the risks of fireworks and how to prevent them is the key to having a safe and happy holiday.
The National Safety Council has provided a list of safety tips for firework use, a few of which include:
Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
Older children should use them only under close adult supervision.
Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands.
Never light them indoors.
Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
Sparklers burn about 2,000 degrees. Consider safter alternatives like glowsticks, streamers, and confetti poppers.
It’s also important to consider if there is electric equipment nearby. Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself before you shoot off those fireworks:
Is there a power line nearby? Only use fireworks in an open space with no contact with power poles or power lines. Make sure there is absolutely no chance firework sparks or fireworks themselves can contact power poles or power lines.
Is there a “green box” nearby? These utility boxes carry high voltages of electricity, and having fireworks near them is dangerous. You also should never touch, climb or play on these pad-mounted transformers.
Sparklers are another popular Fourth of July activity that account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for firework injuries. The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate together, and with a few safety precautions the holiday can be a time to relax too.