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On the Fourth of July, people across the country will head outside to fire up the grill, cool off in the pool and have a delicious potluck picnic. And what better way to end a long, relaxing day in the sun than lighting up the sky with red, white and blue fireworks?
But with those spectacular displays come some real dangers. It’s extremely important to have a safety plan with fireworks of all sizes, as an unexpected injury could mean a visit to your local emergency room.
Many emergency doctors enjoy brilliant fireworks displays every bit as much as you do — they just want to be sure you understand what’s at stake and how to stay safe, so you can best protect your family. As the holiday approaches and you plan your celebration, keep your family safe with a few reminders from our emergency physicians.
While fireworks are a mainstay of Independence Day celebrations, they’re also a leading cause of emergency room visits. Emergency rooms treat thousands of people for firework-related injuries each year, including burns on the hands, fingers, head, face, legs and eyes. These burns can range from mild to severe and can sometimes be life-threatening. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 36% of all firework burns were on the hands and fingers. In any firework emergency, call 911 or visit your nearest ER.
In 2024 alone, there were an estimated 14,700 patients treated for firework-related injuries, with 37% of all incidents being strictly burns. The largest age group affected by firework injuries is those 25 to 44 years old, accounting for 32% of total injuries.
The best way to avoid injury from fireworks is not to handle them yourself. If you plan to set off fireworks at home, follow these important safety tips to avoid injuries.
There’s a reason many fireworks are illegal for personal use: They’re simply too dangerous. Heed all labels and warnings carefully, for your safety and that of your loved ones. And when in doubt, don’t purchase them.
Never light fireworks indoors or near a house or car. Find a flat, concrete surface away from dry grass, leaves or other flammable items.
Children are curious. Help demystify fireworks by explaining how they work and why they can be dangerous. Review safety rules beforehand to be sure they know to stay far away from all fireworks, even after they’ve gone off. And of course, keep a close watch during your display.
We know your little ones may want to join in on the fun of waving their sparklers through the night, but they’re one of the leading causes of injuries to children during many Fourth of July festivities. Did you know they burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit? In 2024, around 1,700 patients were treated in the ER for an injury relating to sparklers. It’s best not to allow your children to light or handle them for their safety, and never use sparklers indoors. Consider swapping them out with glow sticks or party poppers for kids.
Wear fitted, non-flammable clothing to avoid the chance of your clothing catching a spark. Loose or flowing garments can be a recipe for disaster.
Manufacturers are required to follow stringent guidelines when labeling their products. Read the instructions on each fireworks package carefully and light them one at a time. Although fireworks can’t ignite from extreme heat (they require a spark to ignite), it’s best to store them indoors in a cool environment away from children.
Fireworks don’t expire the same way food does; however, their performance diminishes over time. If they aren’t stored properly, they can become less bright, powerful and more prone to misfires.
Having a bucket of water handy allows you to douse fireworks quickly and properly dispose of them.
If you experience a minor firework burn, it’s important that you treat it right away. First, you want to cool the burn by running cold water over it for around 20 minutes. Wrap the area if possible to prevent infection. Consider taking over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen to treat your pain. If your burn doesn’t improve, visit your primary care provider for the expert care you need.
Stand several feet away once your fireworks are lit and resist the urge to check on anything that doesn’t ignite immediately. This is the most common way people get head and face injuries from fireworks. You should also aim the fireworks away from your audience and any homes, cars or landscaping nearby.
Have a fire extinguisher and first aid kit on hand and ready for use. Hopefully, you won’t have to use either one, but preparing for the unexpected is important.
When you take these steps, you and your family can enjoy fireworks safely on the Fourth of July and beyond. Have a safety plan before, during and after you light your fireworks, and make a plan for injuries, too.
Our emergency doctors are here to provide immediate care for injuries of all kinds, including those from fireworks. Identify your nearest ER now as part of your plan to stay safe. If someone in your group is injured during an at-home fireworks display, call 911 immediately.
Follow the operator’s instructions for treating the injury until you can get to an AdventHealth emergency room near you, where your loved one can get the care they need.
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