The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) provides advice on fireworks safety and statistics about fireworks injuries. If you plan to use fireworks this Fourth of July, read this first.
From the CPSC:
Fireworks Injuries
Fireworks. They are synonymous with our celebration of Independence Day. Yet, the thrill of fireworks can also bring pain, and even death. In 2011, CPSC staff conducted a study of fireworks injuries from June 17 to July 17. Here’s what we learned.
- 200 people on average go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday.
- 65% of these fireworks injuries in 2011 occurred during the month surrounding July 4th.
- Illegal and homemade fireworks were involved in all 4 fireworks-related deaths reported to CPSC in 2011
Most Injured Body Parts
- 46%: Hands and fingers
- 17%: Eyes
- 17%: Heads, faces, and ears
- 5%: Trunk
- 4%: Arms
- 11%: Legs
- More than half the injuries were burns.
Injuries by Fireworks Type
- 17%: Sparklers
- 14%: Reloadable Shells
- 13%: Firecrackers
- 7%: Roman Candles
- 6%: Bottle Rockets
- 6%: Novelties
- 2%: Multiple Tubes
- 1%: Fountains
- 3%: Public Display
- 29%: Unspecified
Injuries by Age
- 40%: 25-44
- 14%:45-64
- 10%: 10-14
- 10%: 15-19
- 9%: 20-24
- 9%: 5-9
- 7%: 0-4
- 1%: 65+
Injuries by Gender
- 68%: male
- 32%: female
- Males were most injured from firecrackers, sparklers, bottle rockets, novelty devices, Roman candles, and reloadable shells.
Fireworks Safety Tips
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying our using them.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
Find more fireworks safety tips.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 2011 Fireworks Annual Report