It’s that time of year when Americans gather with family and friends to enjoy fireworks on the Fourth of July. If you plan to ‘light up’ this week, here are some important facts you should know.
A new report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says that in 2023, there were eight deaths and an estimated 9,700 firework-related injuries. Of those deaths, five were associated with firework misuse, two with a device malfunction, and one involved unknown circumstances.
The report also found that injuries from fireworks increased overall between 2008 and 2023, despite recent data showing a steady decline since the peak in 2020 during the pandemic when public displays were canceled.
The Product Safety Commission also analyzed data from the four weeks surrounding the Fourth of July holiday in 2023 and found that teenagers aged 15 to 19 years of age had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries. Children ages 5-9 years old had the second highest rate.
The most common injuries were to the hands and fingers.
The report also revealed that about 42% of the emergency department-treated fireworks-related injuries were for burns. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has warned parents and caregivers of the potential risks of fireworks and urged them to take steps to prevent injuries or illness.
Safety Tips
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
For more fireworks safety tips, visit cpsc.gov/fireworks.
