Use Fireworks Safely. Stay Independent this Fourth of July
Fireworks and the 4th of July go together like brats and buns.
But, lighting the sky up at home has its risks.
An explosive injury can lead to the loss of independence and, in worse-case scenarios, the loss of life.
According to the National Safety Council, 11 people died, and more than 14,000 people were injured by fireworks in 2025. The majority of injuries treated were burns.
Even the most “harmless” of firework types cause injury. Here are a few fireworks safety reminders to help you clear of emergency rooms this year.
Be careful when choosing fireworks.
- Save yourself some time, frustration and embarrassment. Check your city, county and state laws about when, where and how you can light fireworks. Nothing stops a celebration faster than red and blue flashing lights.
- Only buy legal fireworks. Pass on items wrapped in brown paper. This packaging indicates they were part of a professional display.
- Avoid using homemade fireworks. They are a recipe for disaster. Leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals.
Store and carry fireworks safely
- Fireworks are explosives; handle them with extreme care.
- Place unused firecrackers and other rockets in a cool, dry place away from combustible materials.
- Follow any special storage instructions on the package.
- Avoid putting pyrotechnics in your pockets. If they ignite, they can cause serious injury.
Be Prepared
Fireworks can cause fires. Before you light a match or flick a lighter, ensure you have fast water access to put out hot spots.
- Turn on the hose
- Fill a bucket
You’ll need to pour water over used cartridges, duds and misfires before throwing them in the trash.
Keep a close eye on children
Children of all ages are often fascinated by fire and sparks.
Supervise children closely. Even sparklers, which can reach temperatures hot enough to melt metal, can cause injury. Keep children a safe distance away from firecrackers and other rockets that explode from or travel across the ground.
Use Fireworks safely
- Only light pyrotechnic devices if there is no fire danger in your area.
- Don’t use explosives while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Wear protective glasses or goggles if you’re lighting fireworks.
- Place unlit fireworks away from the active firing area.
- Keep your arms, legs, hands and feet away from burning fuses.
- Never hold an explosive when the fuse is lit.
- Light one firecracker or rocket at a time and move a safe distance away from the explosion.
- Don’t light fireworks in a glass or metal container.
- Don’t light fireworks inside a building.
- Never point or throw firecrackers or other explosives toward another person.
- Light pyrotechnics a safe distance away from houses, wooded areas or cars.
Never re-light or handle a dud. It could explode at any moment. Instead, soak any misfired or failed-to-launch cartridges or rockets in water and throw them away.
Fireworks are fun to watch, but even professionals respect how dangerous they can be. If you use them, use extreme caution.
We wish you and yours a safe and injury-free summer full of memories.
If you experience an injury over the 4th of July holiday, you can head to one of Bone & Joint’s Walk-In Care locations for orthopedic care with no appointment required. If you’re experiencing orthopedic pain or injury outside of clinic hours, FREE injury advice is available 24/7 at Bone & Joint AccessNOW.
Sources:
- National Safety Council Fireworks Safety
- Consumer Product Safety Commission Fireworks Safety