2020 Spike in Fireworks-Related Injuries and Deaths: Safety Is Critical for 4th of July Celebrations

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC)  2020 Fireworks Report, the United States experienced a significant increase in fireworks-related injuries and deaths last year. “Many municipalities cancelled July 4th public fireworks displays during the  COVID- 19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic, which may have spurred consumers to use fireworks on their own.”

The 2020 Fireworks Report is the latest in a series of CPSC annual investigations on injuries and deaths associated with fireworks devices, as well as kits and components used to manufacture illegal fireworks.

CPSC Fireworks Safety Tips:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move away from the fireworks device quickly.
• Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
• After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

 

For more information on topics related to this topic, please visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s multi-media news release available in English and Español.

Check out the  HSDL Fireworks and Firework Safety reports housed in our collection.

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