Firework injuries cause thousands of emergency department visits every year. Often these injuries are to the hands, face, and eyes. Fireworks are also a cause of fires when they catch nearby dry grass, buildings, or even roofs on fire.
Preventing injuries is always safer than treating burns or trauma after they occur. Here's some tips:
Leave it to the pros. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a show run by licensed professionals.
If you do plan to use fireworks, follow local laws and restrictions. Especially the firework type, amount, and times allowed; and only when outside in a clear area away from buildings, dry grass, and flammable items.
- Be mindful that fireworks and loud noises can traumatize some people and pets.
- Know where your items are. Do not leave your lighter or ignition sources and fireworks where children have access to them.
- Have fire extinguishers, buckets of water or a hose nearby and soak used fireworks before discarding.
Only responsible adults should use and light fireworks.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
- Never point or throw fireworks at people, pets, buildings, or vehicles.
- Keep fireworks on a hard, non-flammable and level surface.
- Light one at a time and step away.
- Never light a firework while it is being held or try to relight or pick up a “dud” that didn’t go off.
- Keep safety gear in mind. Wear eye or safety glasses, clothing that is not loose or hanging, tie back long hair or beards, closed toe shoes, and consider heat resistant gloves.
Keep children at a safe distance and out of possible range if the firework misdirects.
Use glow sticks, LED wands, or other non-heated celebration items if possible.
- Sparklers burn at temperatures of 1,800 to 2,000⁰ F and account for more than half of firework associated injuries in children under 5 years of age, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission 2023 Fireworks Annual Report.
- Even after they go out, sparklers can retain heat and can cause burn or injury from their sharp metal wires.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby and soak used fireworks before discarding them.
What should you do if an injury occurs?
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. If your child needs emergency care, visit the nearest emergency department. You can find 24/7 pediatric emergency medicine services at one of our three Riley Children’s Health emergency locations. Our emergency department in downtown Indianapolis is also home to Indiana’s longest-standing Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and our American Burn-Association (ABA)-verified Burn Program.
For more firework safety tips, visit the following websites:
- American Burn Association
- US Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Fireworks Safety Tips - National Safety Council
- National Fire Protection Association Fireworks Safety Tips (PDF)
The information in this blog was medically reviewed by the Burn Program at Riley Children’s Health. Indiana’s only American Burn Association (ABA)-verified burn center dedicated to serving children.
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