Fireworks: Fourth of July Safety in Fernandina Beach/North Jacksonville

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

Who knew? Sparklers were the number one cause of fireworks-related injuries in 2017.

Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission

As families and friends gather for the Fourth of July holiday at backyard barbecues, cookouts and pool parties, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is reminding consumers to celebrate safely when using fireworks. At a recent press conference, CPSC announced that eight fireworks-related deaths were reported in 2017. There were an estimated 12,900 emergency room-treated fireworks-related injuries in 2017. About 70% of these occurred during the month surrounding the Fourth of July holiday. Surprisingly, sparklers were the number one cause of injuries, accounting for 14% of the estimated injuries.

Consumers who decide to purchase consumer fireworks are urged to follow these safety steps. 

• Make sure consumer fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
• Never use and make professional-grade fireworks.
• Do not buy or use fireworks that are packaged in brown paper; this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and are not for consumer use.
• Never allow young children to play or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hot enough to melt some metals.
• 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 at another person or occupied area.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move away from them quickly.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
• Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.

 Enjoy your Fourth of July holiday, and be sure to stay safe!