

PET SAFETY: Boom go the fireworks, out goes the dog: How to keep dogs calm and safe on Fourth of July What to do if your pet is afraid of fireworksįireworks can also be extremely stressful for pets, but the Department of Homeland Security recommends a few ways to help reduce their fear and anxiety. The National Safety Council recommends using safer alternatives to sparklers, including glow sticks, confetti poppers or colored streamers. The association also recommends adults to closely supervise children under 12 using sparklers. The American Pyrotechnics Association recommends to never light or hold more than one sparkler at a time, and to keep them at an arm's length away from the body. Like fireworks, they can become very hot when lit – between 1,800-3000 degrees Fahrenheit – and can cause burns or other injuries. Sparklers are a common alternative or addition to fireworks around the holiday, and are commonly used by children. More: Celebrate 'Inde-pun-dence' Day with 75 clever Independence Day jokes and memes Are sparklers dangerous? Be careful with the handheld item Never place a part of your body directly over a firework or hold a firework in your hand when lighting.Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.In addition to following your state and local laws around fireworks, here's what else the Department of Homeland Security recommends: Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.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 or using them.Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends you do for fireworks safety: In anticipation of the thousands of fireworks that will be lit on and around the Fourth of July, a number of safety groups and government agencies, including the National Fire Protection Association, Department of Homeland Security and the National Safety Council have all released guidance for the best safety practices. Reviewed: Get ready for summer with the best 4th of July Amazon deals on Apple, Ninja, Winix and more How to safely use and light fireworks Of the injuries, 38% were burns, with the hands and fingers among the most injured body parts, per the report.

And it wasn't all on July 4, either: 73% of injuries occurred in the weeks before or after the Fourth of July. Sparklers were also a cause, with 600 injuries in 2022. Consumer Product Safety Commission's 2022 Fireworks Annual Report.įirecrackers accounted for the highest number of injures last year, with 1,300 people injured. Over 10,000 people were treated in emergency rooms and 11 people died from fireworks-related injuries last year, according to the U.S. Here's what you should consider before lighting fireworks of any shape and size around this Independence Day.ĬHARTING THE INJURIES: Fourth of July fireworks pose safety risks How many people died or were injured by fireworks in 2022? Last year, an 11-year-old Indiana child and an 18-year-old Minnesota man were among those who died in Fourth of July fireworks incidents. From large-scale shows to setting off fireworks in your backyard, there are plenty of safety measures that should be taken when handling any explosives.įireworks and sparkler accidents lead to thousands of hospital trips each year and can be fatal. Tuesday is the Fourth of July, the annual holiday celebrating America's independence.Īs always, the holiday is marked with parades, cookouts and of course, endless amounts of fireworks. Watch Video: Time for fireworks? Celebrate safely with these consumer safety tips
