Fireworks can be a source of fun for all ages. Unfortunately, they can also cause devastating injury if not used properly. Knowing how to prevent injury, where to buy your fireworks and what type of fireworks are legal can ensure that you have the safest 4th of July possible.

In the United States, fireworks are classifies as “consumer” or “display” fireworks. Consumer fireworks can be used without a license. These generally include firecrackers, sparklers, smokers and a few others depending on what state you live in. Display fireworks may only be used by professionals. Each state has different laws regarding which fireworks are considered “consumer” and “display” fireworks. A prudent shopper will know his state laws and what is legal to buy.

Fireworks Safety

Fireworks cause injury and even death. According to The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) there were four deaths related to fireworks in 2003. An estimated 9300 people were treated in Emergency Departments and of those, five percent were hospitalized.

Knowing basic safety precautions can help prevent injuries to you and your family. Educating your children about safety when around fireworks can prevent injury and even death.

• Never use fireworks if you have been consuming alcohol. Alcohol consumption can impair the judgment of the shooter and the observer.
• If you are the shooter, wear eye protection. 21% of injuries sustained in firework accidents are to the eyes.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Do not allow children under the age of 14 to use fireworks. 72% of the 9300 firework related injuries last year were to children 14 years old or younger.
• There should always be an adult present when older children are shooting fireworks.
• Only buy fireworks from reliable sellers.
• Follow all instructions and warnings on your fireworks. They are there for a reason.
• Use fireworks outdoors only.
• Keep fireworks away from houses, dry leaves and flammable material. Fireworks have been responsible for an estimated 15-20 million dollars in property damage each year in the last decade.
• Have a bucket of water or hose nearby when using fireworks.
• Never relight a dud. Wait 15-20 minutes and then soak the dud in a bucket of water. Throw away after soaking. Don’t go near the dud for 15-20 minutes. It could still explode.
• All observers should be a safe distance away before lighting fireworks.
• Never use illegal explosives.
• Keep your pets indoors.
• Don’t ignite fireworks in containers.
• Never make your own fireworks.
• Don’t wear loose clothing while lighting fireworks.
• Rockets should be launched from a rocket launcher, not a bottle.
• Sparklers should be lit one at a time and held at arms length. Over 50% of injured children 5 years old and younger were injured by sparklers. They are very hot and can easily ignite a child’s clothing.
• Don’t throw or point fireworks at other people.
• Use non-mounted fireworks on a hard, flat surface. This helps to keep them from falling over and shooting in the direction of spectators.
• Fuse times on fireworks vary, so never light one while you are holding it. Always light the fuse from the side, not while standing over it.
• Keep unused fireworks away from the area you are lighting them from.

Supervision, firm guidelines and common sense will help protect and keep the people around fireworks safe.