Fourth of July Firework Safety Tips

Fourth of July means picnics, fun and fireworks. Unfortunately, fireworks are responsible for nearly 4,000 cases involving children needing treatment at the emergency department of local hospitals each year. There are about 55 million pounds of fireworks sold annually, with about two-thirds of that amount for private use. An estimated 1,000 pre-schoolers and another 3,000 children aged five to 14 are injured during firework accidents which require emergency room treatment.

These numbers are significant considering the risk exposure for most children is only in the few weeks surrounding Independence Day.

Fireworks are associated with Fourth of July celebrations but also contribute to many burns, cuts and face and hand injuries each year, sometimes causing permanent injuries. Fireworks are also responsible for about 120 finger and hand amputations a year.

Take your children to a sanctioned, public fireworks display; don’t purchase fireworks for home use. Children can get burned, their clothing can ignite, fingers can be amputated and children can go blind if fireworks explode prematurely. Even sparklers can be dangerous to small children.

Here are a few tips to help you and your children stay safe during this holiday:

1) Observe local laws.

2) Use good common sense and always read and follow the directions on fireworks.

3) Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

4) Use a punk to ignite the fireworks. Punks burn without an open flame; open flame lighters and matches can cause additional fire hazards.

5) Use only State Fire Marshal approved fireworks.

6) Have an adult present.

7) Put used fireworks in a bucket of water and have a hose ready.

8) Only use fireworks outdoors, away from homes, dry grass, and trees.

9) Light only one item at a time and keep a safe distance.

10) Have a safe landing zone for aerial fireworks. Consideration must be direction and the ignitability of everything in the landing zone.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Source: The Training Circular
The Training Circular, a publication of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Risk Management Department, is published monthly in an effort to promote and enhance risk management issues related to TDCJ employees.