Experts recommend against consumer fireworks,
Fire and safety experts have two words for anyone planning to buy consumer fireworks: Just don’t.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that revelers refrain from do-it-yourself fireworks and attend public fireworks displays put on by trained professionals. Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens agrees.
“The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks display,” he said. “Each year in the U.S., around 11,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries.”
Fireworks cause devastating burns, injuries, fires and even death, making them too dangerous to be used safely by consumers, according to the NFPA. On Independence Day in a typical year, fireworks account for nearly half of all reported U.S. fires, more than any other cause of fire.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said there are about 200 fireworks injuries a day during the month surrounding the Fourth of July holiday. According to its 2017 Fireworks Annual Report, fireworks were involved in an estimated 11,100 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency
departments during calendar year 2016. There were an estimated 900 emergency department-treated injuries associated with sparklers and 400 with bottle rockets.
In Tennessee, fireworks caused 419 unintended fires that resulted in more than $1 million in property damage from 2014-2018, according to the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Sparklers were the most common type of fireworks causing injury to preschoolers, and 400 of the 900 sparkler injuries were related to children under 5 years old. Young adults 20-24 years of age had the highest estimated rate of fireworks-related injuries treated in an emergency department in 2016.
In Tennessee, it is illegal for children under 16 to buy fireworks, and those ages 16-17 must present a photo ID.
For those who do buy fireworks, here are some safety suggestions:
› Purchase fireworks from a licensed fireworks dealer.
› Observe all state laws regarding the use of fireworks.
› Read the labels carefully before igniting any fireworks.
› Ensure that an adult supervises all firework activities.
› Never allow children to ignite fireworks.
› Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
› Light only one firework at a time.
› Only use fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from buildings and vehicles.
› Never try to relight a firework.
› Have a garden hose or bucket of water nearby.
› Use caution around pets. Excitement, noise and lights can cause fear and stress in animals.