As Americans gear up to celebrate the Fourth of July, safety experts are urging caution, highlighting a concerning rise in fireworks-related injuries over the past 15 years. With the festive season fast approaching, officials are reminding the public of the dangers associated with fireworks and offering essential safety guidelines.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a report Friday revealing that in 2023 alone, there were eight firework-related deaths and approximately 9,700 injuries. Five of the fatalities were linked to firework misuse, while two resulted from device malfunctions, with the remaining death under investigation. The report also showed an overall increase in firework injuries from 2008 to 2023, although recent years have seen a slight decline, especially following the peak in 2020 when public displays were canceled due to the pandemic.
“While fireworks are a cherished part of the Fourth of July tradition, it’s essential to remember that all fireworks, even sparklers, carry inherent risks,” said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric. “The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by watching professional displays. If you do choose to light your own, ensure that you buy only legal fireworks from reputable retailers.”
According to CPSC’s analysis of injury data from the four weeks surrounding the holiday in 2023, around 800 injuries were associated with firecrackers, and 700 with sparklers. The most common injuries were to the hands and fingers, accounting for about 35% of cases, followed by head, face, and ear injuries, which made up around 22%. Burns were the leading injury type, affecting 42% of those treated in emergency departments.
Teenagers, particularly those aged 15 to 19, experienced the highest rate of injuries, with children aged five to nine following closely behind.
To keep your celebration safe, CPSC recommends the following tips:
- Never allow children to handle or ignite fireworks.
- Ensure fireworks are legal in your area and buy only consumer-grade fireworks from trusted sellers.
- Never use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby when lighting fireworks.
Additional safety measures include:
- Lighting fireworks one at a time and stepping back quickly after igniting them.
- Avoid placing any body part directly over a firework when lighting it.
- Never aim or throw fireworks at anyone.
- After use, soak spent fireworks in water before discarding them to prevent fires.
CPSC also emphasizes that malfunctioning fireworks should never be relit or handled. Instead, soak them in water and safely dispose of them.
While fireworks are synonymous with celebration, following these safety guidelines can ensure that the holiday remains joyful and injury-free for everyone.
