In a flash, about 10,000 Americans will be injured by fireworks while enjoying one of the traditions of Fourth of July celebrations. In 2014, eleven Americans died in fireworks-related incidents.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 60 percent of those injuries are sustained between June 22 and July 22.
Sparklers account for 19 percent of the total fireworks-related injuries seen in emergency departments each year. About one-quarter of all fireworks-related injuries are sustained by children nine years old and younger.
Firecrackers, illegal for use in Iowa and Illinois, account for about 20 percent of injuries.
For a complete list of fireworks safety tips click read more.
Here are recommendations from Genesis and from the U.S. Consumer Produc Safety Commission to prevent fireworks injuries at home:
• Make sure the fireworks you want to buy are legal in your area before buying or using them.
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 1,800 degrees─hot enough to melt some metals.
• Do not buy fireworks that are packaged in brown paper, which is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• 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.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move away from them quickly.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device to prevent a trash fire.
• Light fireworks outdoors in areas clear of houses, dry leaves, grass or flammable materials.
• Do not smoke while handling fireworks.
• Ignite fireworks only smooth, flat surfaces.
• Don’t place fireworks in containers before lighting.
• Alcohol and fireworks are a dangerous combination.
