8 Essential safety tips for a fun and injury-free fireworks season

• Fireworks are beautiful but dangerous. In 2024, they caused 11 deaths and 14,700 ER visits, a 50 percent increase from the previous year.
• July 4th sees twice as many wildfires in the western U.S. due to fireworks. Avoid using them near dry grass, trees or flammable structures.
• Counterfeit fireworks are unsafe. Purchase only from licensed sellers and avoid products in plain brown paper, which are often for professionals.
• Use fireworks in open, fire-resistant areas (driveways, parking lots) and keep water and a fire extinguisher nearby. Never let young kids handle fireworks and opt for glow sticks or confetti poppers instead.
• Learn first aid so you can treat burns, clothing fires or eye injuries if accidents happen while lighting fireworks.

Fireworks are a dazzling part of summer celebrations, especially around the Fourth of July. But while they light up the night sky with beautiful bursts of color, they also come with serious risks.

In 2024 alone, fireworks caused 11 deaths and sent 14,700 people to emergency rooms, which is a staggering 50 percent increase from the previous year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Even seemingly harmless sparklers accounted for nearly 1,700 injuries, with children under five making up 29 percent of those cases.

Beyond personal injuries, fireworks also contribute to wildfires. Data shows that July 4th sees nearly twice as many wildfires in the western U.S. compared to any other day.

The good news? Most accidents are preventable.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard show or attending a neighborhood display, these eight safety tips can help keep your celebrations joyful and injury-free. (h/t to EverydayHealth.com)

Buy fireworks from reputable sellers

Not all fireworks are created equal. Counterfeit or illegal fireworks often lack proper safety controls, increasing the risk of malfunction.

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) recommends purchasing only from licensed, legal sellers and avoiding products wrapped in plain brown paper, as these may be meant for professional use only.

“Legal” doesn’t always mean “safe”

Just because fireworks are sold legally doesn’t mean they’re harmless. Sparklers burn at 2,000 F, hot enough to melt metal, and can quickly ignite clothing or cause severe burns if dropped.

Even small firecrackers can misfire or explode unpredictably. Always handle fireworks with caution, no matter how innocent they seem.

Pick the right location

Fireworks need space, stability and a fire-resistant surface. A flat, open area, like a driveway, parking lot or sandy beach, is ideal.

Avoid using fireworks near:

• Dry grass or trees, which are a wildfire risk (Related: The survival mindset: Why attitude matters when SHTF.)
• Homes, cars or wooden decks, which are flammable structures
• Crowds of people, because fireworks often injure bystanders

If your backyard is small or surrounded by vegetation, consider attending a public fireworks show instead.

Keep fireworks away from kids

Children under five are especially vulnerable to firework injuries. Sparklers alone cause nearly a third of fireworks-related injuries in this age group.

If older children want to participate, they should:

• Be able to read and follow safety instructions
• Stand at a safe distance when fireworks are lit
• Use glow sticks, confetti poppers or streamers as safer alternatives

Be prepared for emergencies

Even with precautions, accidents happen. Before lighting fireworks:

• Have a fire extinguisher on hand.
• Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby for small fires.
• Soak used fireworks in water before disposal because they can stay hot enough to ignite trash.

With wildfires becoming more frequent, extra caution is crucial in dry areas.

Know basic burn first aid

If someone gets burned:

Minor burns

• Cool the burn under running water (not ice) for 20 minutes.
• Cover it with a clean bandage or cling film. Avoid adhesive dressings.
• Seek medical help if the burn is larger than the victim’s palm or on sensitive areas, like their face, hands or joints.

Severe burns or clothing fires

• “Stop, drop and roll” to smother the flames.
• Cover the person with a blanket (wool is best) to cut off oxygen.
• Call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to remove stuck clothing or apply creams.

Eye injuries

• Do not rub the eye.
• Rinse the patient’s eyes with clean water if debris is visible.
• Cover both eyes to prevent movement and seek emergency care.

Stay alert: Bystanders get hurt too

Many firework injuries happen to people who aren’t even handling them. Bottle rockets and other aerial fireworks can veer off course, hitting spectators.

To stay safe:

• Maintain a safe distance from launch areas.
• Never hold fireworks in your hand when lighting them.
• Avoid horseplay. Running near fireworks increases tripping and burn risks.

Light fireworks one at a time

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to:

• Light them individually and not in bunches.
• Point them away from people, homes and flammable objects.
• Never relight a “dud.” Always wait 20 minutes, then soak it in water.

While backyard fireworks can be fun, public displays are far safer. If you choose to set off your own fireworks at home, following these tips can help ensure a memorable and safe celebration with your family and friends.

By prioritizing safety, everyone can enjoy the sparkle and excitement of fireworks without the trip to the emergency room. Stay smart, stay prepared and use fireworks responsibly.

Visit EmergencyMedicine.news for more tips on how to handle medical emergencies when SHTF. You can also visit Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store for more supplies for your prepping stockpile.

Watch this clip about the Honolulu fireworks explosion that killed at least three people and injured more back in January.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Survival first aid: How to handle different trauma scenarios.

Prepper first aid: 10 Must-haves for your natural medicine first aid kit.

Emergency medicine: Essential first aid skills for survival.

5 Essential urban prepping tips.

Sources include:

EverydayHealth.com

NSC.org

OnlineFirstAid.com

Brighteon.com