Fireworks can be festive and fun. They can also cause burns and destroy property. Follow these tips for a safer celebration.
- Consider safer alternatives such as glow sticks, confetti poppers, or colored streamers.
- Observe local and state laws.
- Have a designated sober adult light fireworks.
Only light legal fireworks.
- Light one firework at a time and move quickly away.
- Keep children and other observers at a safe distance of the fireworks—preferably behind a protective barrier.
- Do not pick up a firework immediately after use. It may still be very hot. Keep children away as well.
- Dispose of fireworks in a bucket of water after use.
- Never hold a lit firework or point or throw a firework at another person or animal.
- Do not light fireworks in dry brush areas.
- Never let children handle fireworks—even sparklers.
Facts
- Sparklers can reach 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hotter than a blow torch.
- 50% of firework injuries occur in people under the age of 20.
- You can be held legally and financially liable for injuries or damage cause by fireworks.
