Lighting Fireworks Can Be Dangerous & Deadly

June 2006

Thinking about celebrating the 4th of July with your own backyard fireworks display? Consider this: between 2000 and 2005, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received reports of 36 firework-related consumer deaths. More than a third of these involved professional devices, which were sold illegally to consumers.

In addition, during 2005 alone, there were 10,800 emergency room-treated injuries associated with all fireworks. Most of these injuries, about 6,500, happened during the weeks leading up to Independence Day and weeks after.

Edgar Snyder & Associates wants you and your family to stay safe this 4th of July holiday. Follow these fireworks safety tips from the CPSC:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
• Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging, as this can often be a sign that the fireworks were made for the professional shows and could pose a danger to consumers.
• Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. Parents often don't realize that there are more injuries from sparklers to children under five than from any other type of fireworks. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move back a safe distance immediately after lighting.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light one item at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

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