Firework Safety & Burn Care: A Guide for a Safe Celebration

Fireworks are a spectacular part of many celebrations, from national holidays to personal milestones. But while they light up the sky with beauty, fireworks can also pose serious risks. Thousands of people, particularly children and teens, are injured by fireworks each year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Most injuries are preventable with proper safety measures. This guide outlines how to enjoy fireworks responsibly and what to do in case of burns or injuries.

Firework Safety Tips

1. Purchase Legal, Consumer-Grade Fireworks
   • Only buy fireworks from reputable, licensed vendors.
   • Never use or go near illegal or homemade fireworks as they are unpredictable and extremely dangerous.
2. Follow Local Laws and Regulations
   • Check local ordinances on firework use. Some cities or counties ban consumer fireworks altogether.
   • Respect fire bans, especially in dry seasons when the fire risk is high.
3. Designate a Responsible Adult
   • Fireworks should only be handled and lit by sober, responsible adults.
   • Keep children and pets at a safe distance from all fireworks, including sparklers, which burn up to 2000°F.
4. Prepare Your Area
   • Use fireworks outdoors in a clear, open area away from homes, dry grass and flammable materials.
   • Have a hose, bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby.
5. Use Fireworks Correctly
   • Follow all instructions on the packaging.
   • Do not modify fireworks.
   • Do not relight "duds." Wait 15–20 minutes and then soak them in water.
   • Never point at or throw fireworks at another person.
6. Clean Up Safely
   • Soak both used and unused fireworks in water before discarding them.
   • Collect debris promptly to avoid fire hazards.

Common Firework Injuries

The most common firework-related injuries involve:

• Hands and fingers
• Eyes and face
• Ears (hearing damage from loud explosions)
• Legs and feet

Prevent Injuries by:

• Wearing safety glasses.
• Lighting fireworks one at a time and then moving away quickly.
• Never hold fireworks in your hand when lighting.

Burn First Aid and Care

If someone is burned by a firework, the American Burn Association suggests you should:

1. Assess the Severity
   • First-degree burn: Red, painful skin (like a sunburn).
   • Second-degree burn: Blistering, swelling, and deeper pain.
   • Third-degree burn: White or charred skin. These burns are serious and often less painful due to nerve damage.
2. Immediate Steps
   • Stop the burning process: Remove the person from the source of the burn.
   • Cool the burn: Run cool (not cold) water over the burn for 10 minutes. Do not use ice.
   • Remove jewelry or tight clothing near the area before swelling starts.
3. Cover the Burn
   • Use a clean, non-stick bandage or cloth. Loosely wrap burned area to avoid putting pressure on the burned tissue.
   • Avoid ointments, butter or grease on fresh burns.
4. Seek Medical Help If:
   • The burn is larger than 3 inches or on the face, hands, feet or groin.
   • The burn appears deep (third-degree).
   • The victim has trouble breathing, signs of shock or other serious symptoms.

Fireworks are best enjoyed when handled responsibly. By following safety guidelines and knowing how to respond in case of injury, you can ensure your celebrations remain joyful and accident-free. When in doubt, leave fireworks to the professionals and attend public displays.

You can find more fireworks safety tips from the National Safety Council.