The hospital Emergency Department isn’t where you want to find yourself on a busy holiday. It’s especially disheartening when it’s a child or young person who has injured themselves or become injured as the result of the shooting of fireworks.
In 2021, there were an estimated 1,500 Emergency Department-treated injuries associated with firecrackers and 1,100 involving sparklers. In these incidents, the parts of the body most often injured by fireworks were hands and fingers (an estimated 31 percent of injuries) along with head, face, and ears (an estimated 21 percent).
Additionally, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and nearly 17,000 other fires.
If choosing to celebrate the holiday with a blast of color and noise, remember, it is not legal to shoot fireworks everywhere. So, don’t get in trouble with law enforcement by shooting fireworks in restricted areas.
Also, be mindful of your neighbors. While your holiday fun can be enjoyed by those within your neighborhood, remember some people have to get up the next morning and head into work or have a baby or young child at home trying to sleep. Be mindful of how late you set off the rockets red glare.
Fireworks can be extremely stressful for pets, but there are ways to help reduce their fear and anxiety. Keep your pets indoors. Close the curtains or blinds and turn on the TV or radio to provide some distraction. Treat toys filled with their favorite food (frozen pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and apple sauce are good options) may also help keep their minds busy, and distract them from the fireworks.
While fireworks may be a fun and exciting holiday tradition for many, it’s a time when following the rules is especially important. In order to make your holiday as safe as possible, you’re reminded of some safety tips that will, hopefully, make this a fun and enjoyable time for everyone.
Reminders from the National Safety Council:
Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks. Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone. After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device. Never allow young children to handle fireworks. Older children should use them only under close adult supervision. Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Anyone using
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