Celebrating the New YearHow to use fireworks safely
A study from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) showed that 18 people died from non-occupational firework incidents in the U.S. in 2020, six more than in 2019. There were 136 deaths from fireworks misuse in total between 2005 and 2020.
Only adults should light fireworks and they should make sure the fireworks are placed at a safe distance from each other and any spectators. You should also make sure only one firework is lit at any one time while maintaining a safe distance. It is vital not to hold a lit firework in your hands or light them indoors or throw them at other people as this would cause serious injury. If you let your children hold sparklers, remember to be vigilant and keep an eye on them. Extinguish the sparkler when you feel it is getting too close to their hands. Remember to have some water nearby to fully extinguish any fireworks that don’t go off and soak any used fireworks before discarding their packaging.
