As we welcome the New Year please be reminded to make fire safety a top priority when celebrating with fireworks. The improper use of fireworks during New Year’s Eve celebrations can be dangerous as they can cause serious burns, injuries, fires, and even death.
For 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission received reports of at least eight deaths, and an estimated 9,700 people treated in emergency rooms for injuries involving fireworks. Out of the eight deaths, five were associated with firework misuse, two with a device malfunction, and one involved unknown circumstances. An estimated 800 of these fireworks-related injuries were associated with firecrackers, 700 with sparklers, and about 42 percent with burns. Additionally, according to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks start an average of 20,000 fires per year, resulting in more than $100 million in property damage.
Ring in 2025 safely. Be sure to follow these safety tips to prevent fireworks-related emergencies:
- Always buy fireworks from approved vendors. Make sure to always read and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions
- Never buy used or illegal fireworks.
- As per Senate Bill SB140, although in Miami-Dade County there are no approved vendors who are authorized to sell fireworks, such as firecrackers, bottle rockets and Roman candles, consumers who have acquired these fireworks elsewhere for recreational use are only allowed to utilize them on three specified dates each year: Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
- Light fireworks outdoors, on a driveway or other paved surface, at least 25 feet away from houses, vehicles, grassy areas, trees, and other combustible materials
- Never aim or shoot fireworks or sparklers at animals, people or into crowds
- Light one firework at a time, then move away immediately to remain at a safe distance from the device to prevent injuries or burns
- Wear safety goggles to protect the eyes from flying debris or sparks
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket or ignite them in metal or glass containers
- Never attempt to relight or handle fireworks that did not ignite the first time
- Children should always be supervised when handling sparklers and fireworks, as they can cause severe burns and eye injuries
- Sparklers, which are often considered harmless enough for children, can burn up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause serious burns
- Never wear loose-fitting clothing. If you have long hair, be sure to tie it back when handling fireworks
- STOP, DROP and ROLL: If clothing catches on fire, remember to STOP what you are doing, DROP onto the ground, cover your face, and ROLL over and over until the fire goes out
- Prevent a trash fire by soaking used fireworks in a pail of water before discarding the device
- Keep an ABC-rated home fire extinguisher, garden hose or bucket of water nearby at all times in case of a fire emergency
- Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol. Be sure to stay hydrated with water
- The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by attending a public fireworks show put on by trained professionals
If you experience an emergency, call 911 immediately.
