Thousands of people end up in the emergency room with fireworks-related injuries each year.* It’s no surprise that the majority of these incidents—about 67 percent—occur during the month surrounding the Fourth of July. Recognizing this, Long & Foster Insurance, a leading independent insurance agency that represents many of the nation’s top rated insurance companies, recommends people take the following precautions to help keep themselves, their friends and families safe as they celebrate our nation’s independence.
Tips for a Safe July 4 Celebration
- Follow all safety instructions and warnings from the fireworks manufacturers.
- Obey any local ordinances about fireworks use.
- Only use fireworks that are commercially manufactured and don’t try to create your own.
- Light your fireworks outside in an open area.
- Limit the number of fireworks being lit to one at a time.
- Keep your unused fireworks in a separate location so they are not accidentally lit during the show.
- Make sure you have a hose (or a bucket of water) nearby so you can quickly handle any emergencies.
- Soak all used fireworks with water before disposing of them.
- Don’t relight fireworks that fail to go off; instead, wait 20 minutes and then soak them in a bucket of water before disposing of them.
- Never point a lit firework directly at someone or light fireworks in a glass or metal container.
- Do not drink alcohol while lighting fireworks.
- Never allow young kids to play with or ignite any type of firework—even sparklers burn at temperatures around 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Always have an adult supervise the use of fireworks.
- Be sure that any fireworks you purchase are intended for use by the general public. Some fireworks are made strictly for professional use and could cause serious injury or even death.
- Exercise extreme caution when lighting and holding fireworks, and monitor your kids closely while celebrating.
And don’t forget about your pets. Many pets are frightened by loud noises like those from summer thunderstorms and fireworks, so make sure your family pets are secured in a safe place away from the noise during your Independence Day celebration.
*Consumer Product Safety Commission 2014 Fireworks Annual Report