The upcoming Fourth of July celebrations will be filled with a variety of fun opportunities to spend time with friends and family during local celebrations and enjoying great summer food. Although a joyous time, there may be some hazards that could prevent you from having fun or cause harm.
Remember in some locations, it is illegal to discharge any firework that explodes. Check your state laws and local ordinances as you could face fines, penalties and/or arrest.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 15,600 people were rushed to the emergency room in 2020 for fireworks related injuries. ATF encourages everyone to prepare for a safe time by taking a few precautions.
Fireworks Safety Tips
- Don’t let young children play or ignite fireworks. Make sure adults always supervise fireworks activities.
- Avoid placing any body parts directly over a lit firework.
- Move to a safe distance away from fireworks immediately after lighting the devices.
- Remember, sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees — hot enough to melt some metals and cause severe injuries.
- Do not point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Use water to extinguish all fireworks.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them in metal/glass containers.
- Pour plenty of water on all fireworks after they are completely burnt out before throwing them away.
If you are a Federal Explosives Licensee, there are key things for you to keep in mind during this season.
- Install alarms, floodlights and fencing to secure your fireworks inventory at your business location.
- Inspect the perimeter around your storage facility and report indications of explosives thefts such as busted door locks or cut fencing to the police.
- Limit access to fireworks storage facilities so that only essential personnel can handle them.
- Check your explosives inventory several times a year to check for theft or loss.
- Build strategic partnerships with your local police and public safety officials to enhance information sharing in the event of an emergency.
- Create, update, and inform employees about your business emergency response plan.
