Fireworks Safety Facts

What's a Fourth of July celebration without fireworks?

Who didn't handle sparklers as a kid? I know I did. But did you know hand-held sparklers burn at temperatures of around 2,000 degrees F? That's hot enough to cause third-degree burns and melt some metals!

Let's let these facts* tell the story...

• In 2017, 14% of the injuries reported were from sparklers, which are number-one cause of fireworks injuries
• Each year, firework injuries are in the thousands
• On average, 1,300 structure fires are caused by fireworks, including 300 vehicle fires
• In 2017, there were eight firework-related deaths to people ranging in age from four to 57
• Approximately 12,900 fireworks-related injuries were reported at hospital emergency departments in 2017, mostly occurring two weeks prior and after the July Fourth holiday

Misuse and malfunction were the primary causes for injury including:

• Setting off fireworks improperly and by hand
• Throwing lit fireworks at someone
• Dismantling and manufacturing fireworks
• Lighting fireworks too close to someone
• Trying to re-ignite dud fireworks
• Placing fireworks too close to a heat source
• Tip-over incidents
• Debris
• Errant flight paths
• Exploding fireworks while still in the tube
• Sparks exiting from the rear of the device

If you're going to handle fireworks, use them responsibly, safely and follow the law. Have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day!

Related links:
Fireworks safety tips
Homeowners Insurance

*Source: U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC)