Each year during July 4th celebrations, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires. These fires caused three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and an average of $43 million in direct property damage.

Please follow these safety tips from the National Safety Council (NSC) for a fun and enjoyable 4th of July celebration:
< Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
< Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
< Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision.
< Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
< Never light fireworks indoors.
< Only use fireworks away from people, houses, and flammable material.
< Only light one firework at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
< Never ignite fireworks in a container.
< Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
< Soak unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
< Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.

References: National Fire Protection Agency www.nfpa.org
National Safety Council www.nsc.org