Editor’s Note:
My childhood July 4th was unnecessarily dangerous, now that I look back 50 years later. At the top of the list: not the mayonnaise-based salads that sat out all day, or the undercooked hamburgers. It was the discarded sparklers, many still glowing red, that littered the grass while we looked for someone to light the next one. Shoes were optional; burned feet were common.
My brothers shot bottle rockets at each other, and at me if I got near. I won’t tell you all the ways they misused firecrackers. With the noisiest holiday of the year coming up, it’s a good time to review a few safety tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Enjoy the holiday. ~Marie
As America celebrates its historic 250th Independence Day, millions of families will gather to enjoy one of the nation’s most enduring traditions—fireworks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is encouraging consumers to celebrate responsibly and follow a few simple safety precautions to help prevent injuries.
Every year, fireworks cause thousands of preventable injuries. Even sparklers, which can burn at temperatures above 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, can cause serious burns if not used carefully. As we mark this historic national milestone, CPSC wants Americans to celebrate proudly, use common sense, and take a few simple steps to prevent injuries.
For 2025, CPSC received reports of at least 15 deaths and an estimated 13,000 emergency department-treated injuries linked to fireworks misuse and malfunction. There were an estimated 1,300 injuries involving sparklers alone. The 15-to-24 age group accounted for the largest share of injuries, and burns to the hands, fingers and head were most common. Many of the most severe incidents involved devices that tipped over, malfunctioned or were used too close to people.
Tips to Celebrate Safely
- Buy only legal consumer fireworks from reputable retailers. Never use homemade, altered or illegal fireworks, and always follow the instructions on the label.
- Keep children away from fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals—and can cause serious burns in seconds.
- Keep water nearby. Have a bucket of water or a garden hose ready in case of fire or to safely soak used fireworks.
- Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Light one firework at a time, then move away quickly. Never lean over a firework while lighting the fuse.
- Never aim, throw or point fireworks at people, animals or buildings. Never hold, wear or attach fireworks to your body or clothing. Use fireworks only as directed by the manufacturer.
- Don’t relight a “dud.” Wait at least 20 minutes, then soak it thoroughly in water before disposing of it.
- The safest way to celebrate: Leave fireworks to the professionals and enjoy public fireworks displays in your community.
