Be Firework Smart

Every year we celebrate multiple holidays with fireworks. The 4th of July holiday brings family cookouts, weekend getaways and festive firework shows. To make sure you and your family are safe around fireworks this year, we’ve collected firework safety tips that may help you avoid a potential visit to the emergency room.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports 73% of fireworks injuries occur in the weeks before and after the July 4th holiday. In 2022, 10,200 people were treated in emergency rooms for firework injuries.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission offers the following firework safety tips:

• Do not allow young children to play with fireworks. Sparklers, a firework often considered by many to be the ideal "safe" device for children, burn at very high temperatures and should not be handled by young children.
• Older children should be permitted to use fireworks only under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay.
• Set off fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from houses, dry leaves, or grass and other flammable materials.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that fail to ignite or explode.
• Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Never light fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container. This means the infamous bottle rocket is not considered safe.
• Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
• Check instructions for special storage directions.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Remember to never use or handle fireworks when you are under the influence.

Remember to observe local laws. Mississippi provides a fair amount of freedom when it comes to buying and using fireworks. But cities and towns may limit their use within the city limits. For example, certain counties prohibit shooting fireworks within range of certain facilities such as hay warehouses, wood yards, childcare facilities or a railroad depot.

Let’s stay safe this summer holiday season!

Sources:

CPSC