Fireworks’ fun can be dangerous

By the Numbers:

30,100: estimated number of fires caused by fireworks each year

9,500: estimated number of injuries caused by fireworks each year

11: fireworks-related deaths occurred in 2007

$34 million: amount of direct property loss caused by fireworks in 2006

Sources: National Fire Protection Association and Consumer Product Safety Commission

For Americans, Fourth of July celebrations usually signify summer fun, vacations, and the gathering of family and friends, but Independence Day can also bring tragedy. In a typical year, more US fires are reported on July 4 than on any other day and fireworks account for half of those fires. Sparklers, firecrackers and rockets are the leading contributors to these injuries. Because most fireworks injuries are preventable, everyone can enjoy a safe and happy holiday by following a few fireworks safety tips.

Who is at Most Risk?

In 2007, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,800 people for fireworks related injuries.

• 56 percent of 2007 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 36 percent were to the head.

• 49 percent of the 2007 fireworks injuries were burns, while 29 percent were contusions and lacerations.

• Two of five people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15.

• The risk of fireworks injury was two times as high for children ages 5-14 as for the general population.

• Sparklers, fountains, and novelties alone accounted for 56 percent of the emergency room fireworks injuries in 2007.

Did You Know?

The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees - this is hot enough to cause third degree burns.

• Availability: in spite of federal regulations and varying state prohibitions, many types of fireworks are still accessible to the public. Distributors often sell fireworks near state borders, where laws prohibiting sales on either side of the border may differ.

• Fireworks type: among the various types of fireworks, some of which are sold legally in some states, bottle rockets can fly into peoples' faces and cause eye injuries; sparklers can ignite clothing (sparklers burn at more than 1,000°F); and firecrackers can injure the hands or face if they explode at close range.

• Being too close: injuries may result from being too close to fireworks when they explode; for example, when someone leans over to look more closely at a firework that has been ignited, or when a misguided bottle rocket hits a nearby person.

• Lack of physical coordination: younger children often lack the physical coordination to handle fireworks safely.

• Curiosity: children are often excited and curious around fireworks, which can increase their chances of being injured (for example, when they re-examine a firecracker dud that initially fails to ignite).

• Experimentation: homemade fireworks (for example, ones made of the powder from several firecrackers) can lead to dangerous and unpredictable explosions.

Did You Know?

92 percent of the fireworks injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms involved fireworks that federal regulations permit consumers to use.

• The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home - period. Attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals.

• Children should never play with fireworks. Sparklers can reach 1,800° Fahrenheit (982° Celsius) - hot enough to melt gold.

• Steer clear of others - fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.

• Don't allow children to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.

• Think about pets. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run loose or get injured.

So if you plan to ignite your own fireworks, please pay close attention to these recommended safety tips to help reduce the chances of a destructive fire or injury and the general safety of your surroundings.

• Make sure that the fireworks you buy are legal where you intend to use them.

• Read and follow the directions on fireworks packages.

• Make sure adults supervise all use of fireworks. Young children should not play with fireworks. Even sparklers can cause a serious burn injury.

• Do not point or throw fireworks at people.

• Use fireworks in an open area, away from dry grass and other flammable materials. Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies.

• Light fireworks one at a time. Do not try to re-ignite fireworks. Soak with water fireworks that do not ignite. Do not attempt to repair broken fireworks.

• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.

• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place. Keep fireworks out of your pockets.

• When shooting fireworks, keep all unused fireworks away from the shooting area.

• Never experiment with make-shift or homemade fireworks.