Fireworks are a staple of the Fourth of July and summer celebrations, but they’re more dangerous than they appear. Each year in the U.S., emergency departments treat over 10,000 fireworks-related injuries, many of which are preventable.
Fireworks can cause minor burns and more serious trauma, including eye injuries and hearing damage. If you or your family plan to use fireworks, avoiding certain mistakes and taking steps to keep everyone safe is key to keeping your celebration injury-free.
How Can I Safely Use Fireworks at Home?
To prevent someone from getting hurt, here are important safety guidelines to follow when using fireworks:
- Only use fireworks outdoors. Be sure to use them in a clear area away from homes, dry grass or flammable materials.
- Keep fireworks away from children. Even sparklers, which burn at over 1,800°F, can cause serious burns.
- Light fireworks one at a time. Back away from them quickly once they’re lit.
- Never try to relight a “dud.” Wait 20 minutes, then soak it in water.
- Have a bucket of water or a garden hose ready. These are important in case a fire starts or there’s a malfunction.
- Don’t point or throw fireworks at people. Keep them away from animals and buildings, too.
- Wear protective eyewear. This will help shield your eyes from sparks and debris.
- Follow your local laws and regulations. Some areas prohibit consumer fireworks altogether, so check before you light any.
Common Fireworks-Related Injuries
Every year, thousands of people, including children and teens, are injured while using fireworks at home. For example, sparklers are often thought to be relatively safe and harmless, but they account for nearly one-fourth of all fireworks injuries, especially in children under 5.
Children under 15 and adults between the ages of 25-44 experience a significant portion of fireworks injuries each year, many of which are caused by sparklers that are easy to purchase.
The most common injuries caused by fireworks include:
- Burns: Hands, face, arms, and legs are the most commonly burned areas.
- Eye injuries: Debris or sparks can get into the eyes and cause corneal abrasions, burns or even vision loss.
- Hearing damage: Loud explosions at close range can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.
- Fires: Clothing, dry grass and even nearby homes can catch fire from misfired fireworks.
What Should I Do If Someone Gets Hurt From Fireworks?
If something goes wrong while lighting fireworks, knowing what to do in the moment can help minimize damage and even save lives:
For Minor Burns:
- Run the area under cool (not cold) water for 10-15 minutes.
- Gently clean the burn with mild soap and room temperature (not hot) water.
- Cover the area with a clean, dry dressing. Avoid greasy ointments or butter.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, if needed.
- Go to immediate/urgent care if you need help cleaning or covering your minor burn.
For Serious Burns:
- How do you know if a burn is serious? Look for these signs and visit an emergency room if they occur: blistering, deep wounds, charred skin.
For Eye Injuries:
- Do not rub or rinse the eye.
- Cover the eye lightly with a clean cloth.
- Go to the ER for immediate medical attention to prevent vision loss or complications.
For Hearing Damage:
- If someone experiences ringing, pain or muffled hearing after a loud blast, remove them from the noisy environment.
- If symptoms persist after 24 hours, visit immediate/urgent care or call your doctor.
When to See a Doctor for a Firework Injury
Some injuries need more than home care. If you’re unsure whether a burn or injury needs urgent care, it’s always safer to err on the side of caution. Generally, the staff at an immediate/urgent care will handle minor skin irritations, abrasions and burns.
Head to the emergency room right away if you notice any of these symptoms:
- Blistering, deep wounds or charred skin
- Burns on the face, hands, feet or genitals
- Persistent pain, swelling or signs of infection
- Loss of vision or severe eye pain
- Difficulty breathing, dizziness or fainting
- Hearing loss that doesn’t improve
Preventing Fireworks Accidents
What’s the best way to prevent fireworks injuries? Skip DIY displays altogether. Consider these safer alternatives for celebrating:
- Attend a professional fireworks show. These are managed by trained experts with emergency protocols in place, which limit the risk of injuries.
- Use glow sticks, LED sparklers or confetti cannons to add sparkle without the risk.
- Watch from a safe distance. Keep children at least 50-100 feet away from any active fireworks.
If you or a loved one experiences a minor burn or injury from fireworks, Stony Brook Medicine offers virtual and in-person immediate care to help you get back to your celebration safely. Try our Virtual Immediate Care for quick online support, which you can access here.
If you experience a burn or minor injury, always seek medical help. You can visit our In-Person Immediate Care in Commack, which is now open for walk-ins.
For serious injuries or burns, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
