Firework Safety

As we start the month of July it is a good reminder that firework season is setting upon us. Fireworks are beautiful and fun to ignite. Whether you are lighting fireworks off with friends, family, or as a neighborhood tradition, it is important to remember that fireworks can be very dangerous.

During the year of 2020, injuries and death due to fireworks increased immensely. Remember that any firework large or small can be dangerous. For instance, 66% of all firework-related injuries or deaths occurred in July around the July 4th holiday. In total, firework injuries across the United States reached 15,600 were treated in the ER, reaching a total increase of 50% from 2019. Of those injuries, 18 deaths were reported. In total 44% of those injuries were burned to the hands, fingers, head, face, ears, and eyes. It is important to remember to keep an eye on young children as they are holding sparklers and watching them burn. Sparklers burn at 2,000 Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt some metals.

Here are a few simple tips to stay safe during the summer fireworks season.

• Never allow young children to ignite fireworks.

• Never place any part of your body directly over a firework when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.

• If a firework does not go off after a fuse has been lit. DO NOT attempt to light it again.

• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

• Make sure that you have a bucket of water or a hose close by when igniting fireworks. Each firework should be doused completely in water before placing it in the trash to reduce the risk of a garbage fire.

• Make sure that fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

Here at Southeast Utah Health Department, we wish you a happy and safe Independence Day and Pioneer Day!