Fireworks can be fun but they also cause injury. Knowing what's legal and the safety rules for playing with them will ensure a safe holiday for everyone.
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.
The Most Dangerous Fireworks
Illegal fireworks cause about twenty-nine percent of all firework related injuries. An estimated seventy-five percent of fireworks are caused from backyard fireworks. These include bottle rockets, fountains, sparklers, Roman candles and firecrackers. Firecracker injuries are responsible for 24% of firework injuries, while sparklers account for 21% and rockets 18%. It should be noted, however, that any firework is dangerous if not handled properly. Explosive devices such as M-80s, M-100s, blockbusters and quarterpounders are not consumer fireworks.
Types of Injuries
Seventy-five percent of all firework related injuries were sustained by males and fifty percent by children fourteen or younger. Injuries to the hands and fingers were most common (26%) with eye injuries at 21%. 18% of people injured by fireworks had injuries to the head and face. Of those injured, 63% involved burns (NCIPC).
What Fireworks are Legal in My State?
Each state has specific laws about which fireworks are legal. The laws vary from state to state. A good directory that lists each state and which fireworks are legal can be found at: http://www.americanpyro.com
Keep in mind that although certain fireworks may be legal in your state, they may not be legal in your township or county. Know your local laws as well as your state laws.
Where to Buy Fireworks
You should only buy fireworks from a reputable dealer. Most fireworks have a manufacturers label and instructions on how to use them. This labeling is required by law. Fireworks without this labeling are most likely illegal.
Everyone wants to have a great 4th of July celebration. Using common sense, reviewing firework rules with your children (and enforcing them), and staying within the legal boundaries of your city and state when buying fireworks will ensure a great time for all involved. Most injuries related to the use of fireworks can be prevented if safety rules are followed and adults are present to supervise the use of fireworks.
Attending a professionally run fireworks show may be your best alternative on the 4th of July. They are safer, can be spectacular, and often have a variety of activities associated with them. If, however, you feel the need to shoot your own fireworks, following the rules listed above may prevent serious accident and injury.