Summer Safety Series: Fireworks Safety
We all look forward to holiday weekends to spend time with family and friends. The Fourth of July weekend is no exception. If you choose to celebrate with fireworks, please do so safely.
Fireworks are inherently dangerous on their own, but danger greatly increases when mixed with alcohol or when handled by children. Injuries to the hands and fingers are the most common type of injury sustained due to fireworks, but injuries can occur to any part of the body. While most injuries from fireworks are burns that will heal with time, they can be significantly worse. If you choose to use fireworks, it is important to handle them safely.
Fireworks Safety Tips:
- Do not allow children to handle fireworks.
- Set off fireworks outdoors in clear areas free of houses, dry leaves, or other flammable materials.
- Do not try to reignite or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
- Be sure other people are out of range (or the line of fire) when lighting fireworks.
- Never light fireworks in a container, especially glass or metal containers.
- Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
- Store fireworks properly and check instructions for special storage instructions.
- Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
Questions? heidi.fleming@desales.edu