The National Safety Council’s mission is to eliminate preventable deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy, according to its website, NSC.org.
While the summer season brings to mind barbecues, parades and fireworks, the NSC advises that “fireworks at public displays should be conducted by professionals, and fireworks should not be used at home.”
If consumer fireworks are legal to buy where you live and if you choose to use them, the NSC recommends following these safety tips:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks
- Older children can use them, but only under close adult supervision
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
- Never light fireworks indoors
- Only use fireworks away from people, houses and flammable material
- Keep pets inside
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite devices in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire
- Never use illegal fireworks
Sparklers pose a danger, too
Sparklers are a lot more dangerous than most people think, according to the NSC.
Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals. They also can quickly ignite clothing, and children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries.
For children age 5 and younger, sparklers accounted for nearly half of the total estimated injuries.
To celebrate the Fourth of July, or any other occasion, consider having children use glow sticks, confetti poppers or colored streamers.
Published July 1, 2020
