Fireworks

Fireworks have come to be an exciting and traditional part of many annual 4th of July celebrations; however fireworks, even small ones, are dangerous. They can cause fires and even injuries. Based on an eleven year average from the National Fire Protection Association, statistics show that over 32,000 fires occur annually due to the mishandling of fireworks, with 90% occurring outdoors. Furthermore, over 3,000 structures and vehicles will be lost (costing the general public over $30 million in property damage), and hospital emergency rooms will treat approximately 10,000 people for injuries incurred while using fireworks each year.

It is also important to know that firework use is illegal in many areas; including on federal land. In order to avoid costly fines and citations, make sure you know where firework use is allowed, the types of fireworks that are appropriate for that area (don’t assume that an area that allows fireworks, will allow all types of fireworks), and make sure you establish and communicate family boundaries for lighting fireworks.

To learn more visit the National Council on Firework Safety website, then test your knowledge by taking their firework safety quiz http://www.fireworksafety.com/home.htm.

Firework Use Guidelines

Fireworks can be fun AND safe if the following precautions are taken when lighting them.

  1. Follow your established family boundaries. Only a designated adult should light fireworks
  2. Light one firework at a time, move away quickly, and keep at a safe distance until the display is finished
  3. Use fireworks only outdoors, being sure to stay far away from anything that can burn
  4. Make sure you have a bucket of water present to extinguish all fireworks completely after they have finished burning
  5. To prevent injuries, never throw fireworks and never hold fireworks in your hand
  6. If a device does not light or fire, an adult should wait at least fifteen minutes and approach it carefully
  7. Be sure all unused fireworks matches and lighters are out of the sight and reach of children
  8. Clean up all debris when finished

Who is responsible?

It is important to remember that the deliberate misuse of fireworks can lead to fines and citations. It is also important to understand that you may be held liable for a wildfire that starts as a result of firework use. Be safe and use fireworks cautiously.