Every year, Americans celebrate the 4th of July by setting off firecrackers, bottle rockets, and sparklers. This celebration can quickly turn into tragedy with the improper use of fireworks. In 2015, an estimated 11,900 people were sent to the emergency room in the U.S. for treatment of firework-related injuries. Approximately two-thirds of these injuries (7,800) occurred during the one month period surrounding the 4th of July Holiday.

• The best way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display performed by trained professionals.
• Fireworks are not safe to use at home.
• While some parents think sparklers are “safe” fireworks, they are actually the leading cause of firework-related injuries.
  • Sparklers can reach temperatures of 2000º F. This is hot enough to melt gold and can easily catch clothes on fire.
• Supervision alone is not enough to prevent serious injuries. Firework-related injuries often occur when a parent or an adult is nearby.
• If other people are using fireworks around you or your child, leave or go inside. Even if you do not allow your children to touch the fireworks, they can still be injured if they are around others who are using fireworks. 
• One in four firework-related injuries to children occur to bystanders. 
• Teach your children about the dangers of fireworks.
  • Four out of ten firework-related injuries occur among children younger than 15 years old.
  • Make sure they understand that fireworks are not toys and that they can cause serious injury.

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